Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft structure – Fuselage and body construction
Patent
1991-02-22
1991-12-10
Barefoot, Galen
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft structure
Fuselage and body construction
2441294, 244158R, B64G 114
Patent
active
050710915
ABSTRACT:
In the representative embodiment of the invention disclosed herein a load limiting, energy absorbing net is arranged to overlay a normally-covered vent opening in the rear bulkhead of the space orbiter vehicle. Spatially-disposed flexible retainer straps are extended from the net and respectively secured to bulkhead brackets spaced around the vent opening. The intermediate portions of the straps are doubled over and stitched together in a pattern enabling the doubled-over portions to progressively separate at a predicable load designed to be well below the tensile capability of the straps as the stitches are successively torn apart by the forces imposed on the retainer members whenever the cover plate is explosively separated from the bulkhead and propelled into the net. By arranging these stitches to be successively torn away at a load below the strap strength in response to forces acting on the retainers that are less than the combined strength of the retainers, this tearing action serves as a predictable compact energy absorber for safely halting the cover plate as the retainers are extended as the net is deployed. The invention further includes a block of an energy-absorbing material positioned in the net for receiving loose debris produced by the explosive release of the cover plate.
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Kahn Jon B.
Schneider William C.
Adams Harold W.
Barefoot Galen
Fein Edward K.
Schlorff Russell E.
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator
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