Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Attitude control
Patent
1986-10-31
1988-12-13
Barefoot, Galen L.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Attitude control
244160, B64G 164
Patent
active
047904992
ABSTRACT:
An aerospike is adapted to be attached to the front nose of an aerodynamically asymmetric space vehicle system, such as the external tank and orbiter of the space shuttle. The aerospike basically comprises a tapered elongated portion having a first end which is adapted to be attached to the nose of the space vehicle, and a second free end terminating in a substantially rounded disc-like tip member. Use of the spike reduces aerodynamic heating and drag during ascent of the space vehicle into its orbital position, provides an attachment point for tether operations and for propellant recovery, and permits transportion of an external tank into its orbit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2980370 (1961-04-01), Takacs
patent: 3262654 (1966-07-01), Kaemper
patent: 3268091 (1966-08-01), Melton
patent: 3295791 (1967-01-01), Black
patent: 3416758 (1968-12-01), Nicholson et al.
patent: 3425650 (1969-02-01), Silva
patent: 3508723 (1970-04-01), Warren et al.
patent: 3620484 (1971-11-01), Schoppe
patent: 3643901 (1972-02-01), Patapis
patent: 4114836 (1978-09-01), Graham et al.
Flow-Field Investigation for Large-Angle Cones with Short Spikes at a Mach Number of 9.6, by W. S. Staylor, Apr. 1970.
Results of Tests Using a 0.02-Scale Mode, etc., by J. J. Daileda et al., Rockwell International Corp., Sep. 1980 (abstract only).
Aerothermodynamic Data Base. Data File Contents Report, by E. G. Correia, Chrysler Corp., Feb. 10, 1979 (abstract only).
The Ascent Air Data System for the Space Shuttle, by E. R. Hillje et al., 1980.
Space Shuttle Propulsion Issue Staged Combustion Bell Versus Tap-Off or Gas Generator Aerospike, by C. Bendersky, Feb. 3, 1970 (abstract only).
Unsteady Aerodynamic Flow Field Analysis of the Space Shuttle Configuration, etc., by L. Ericsson, Mar. 1976 (abstract only).
Scale Effects on the Fluctuating Pressures in a Region of Spike-Induced Flow Separation, by J. P. Redding et al., Jan. 1979.
Fluctuating Pressure Environment of a Drag Reduction Spike, by R. A. Guenther et al., Jan. 1977.
Asymmetric Shock-Wave Oscillations on Spiked Bodies of Revolution, by A. Demetriades et al., Nov. 1976.
Effect of a Spike on the Drag and on the Aerodynamic Stability of Blunt Bodies in Supersonic Flow, by J. Rom et al., Aug. 1970.
Steady Loads on Spiked Blunt Bodies of Revolution, by L. E. Ericsson, Nov. 30, 1962 (abstract only).
Development of the Trident I Aerodynamic Spike Mechanism, by Mark D. Waterman and B. J. Richter, Lockhead Missiles in Space Company, 1979, Document No. 3, Contract No. 5845.
Effect of External Tank Nose Shape on the Rockwell International Space Shuttle Vehicle 3, by E. C. Allen, 1974.
Effects of External Burning on Spike-Induced Separated Flow, by J. Redding et al., Aug. 1982.
Investigation of Self-Sustained Shock Oscillations on a Spike-Tipped Body at Mach 3, by W. Calarese, et al., Nov. 1981.
Modes of Shock-Wave Oscillations on Spike-Tipped Bodies, by W. Calarese, et al., Jan. 1983.
Flow Visualization and Data Analysis of Self-Sustained Shock Oscillations on a Spiked Body at Mach 3, by W. Calarese, Sep. 1981.
Unsteady Aerodynamic Considerations in the Design of a Drag-Reduction Spike, by J. P. Redding et al., 1976.
External Tank Nose Shape Study, by C. C. Dill et al., Jun. 1973.
Non-Stationary Separation on Spiked Bodies-in Supersonic Flow, by A. N. Antonov (U.S.S.R.) et al., Jan. 1979.
Flow Over Blunt Bodies with Spikes and Cavities, by V. M. Davydov, Oct. 1979.
Cerna Peter
Taylor Thomas C.
LandOfFree
Aerospike for attachment to space vehicle system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Aerospike for attachment to space vehicle system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Aerospike for attachment to space vehicle system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2192596