Airframe Design and Integration

Abstract

The objectives of the project this viewgraph presentation summarizes include the following: (1) Decompose operational, safety, and cost requirements into a comprehensive and consistent set of design criteria for different structural and material concepts for Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs); (2) Develop compliance methods to ensure that different structural and material concepts are assessed at a consistent and adequate level of fidelity and safety; (3) Develop and assess weight reduction potential of integrated airframe concepts for RLVs, e.g., Thermal Protection System (TPS)/TPS Support/Cryogenic Tank System; (4) Compare performance and weight of various airframe structural and material concepts and structural arrangements and identify technology development needs; and (5) Develop high fidelity parametric models that include airframe structural interactions and major design drivers. The approaches taken to complete these objectives include the definition of vehicle requirements, airframe structural design requirements, load conditions, factors of safety, and integrated concepts.