Design
| Enviro |
Astro | Propulsion
| Power | Thermal
| Structures | AD&C
| CDHS |
Test
A
spacecraft structure is similar to earthbound ones,
but it is exposed to a variety of different stresses
during launch and in space. This unique environment
limits the types of materials available for building
spacecraft and introduces specialized structural
tests for spaceflight.
Structures
Materials
have properties which describe
their physical characteristics and indicate applicability
to spacecraft structures.
Loads
result from forces that are
applied to a structure. Every structure is designed
and built to withstand some particular load or loads.
Stress
is the effect of loads that deform structures and
weaken materials.
Frequency
response of a spacecraft
is important during launch when intense vibrations
could tear the structure apart if not adequately
damped.
