Abstract: Cryogenic foam insulation 20 is adhesively bonded to the outer wall of the fuel tank structure 10. The cryogenic insulation 20 includes square sheets 12 fabricated from an array of abutting blocks 14. Each block 14 includes a sheet of glass cloth 18 adhesively bonded between two layers of polymethacrylimide foam 16. Each block is wrapped in a vapor impermeable membrane 24, such as a polyimide-aluminum-polyimide composite laminate, to provide a vapor barrier. Very beneficial results are obtained by employing the present invention in conjunction with fibrous insulation 28 and an outer aeroshell 30, which is a hot fuselage structure having an internal thermal protection system.

Abstract: A corrugated panel structure for supporting compressive loads includes curved cap strips 22 separated by truss-core web segments 30. The truss-core web segments 30 are formed from first and second flat panels 32 and 34 with a corrugated filler 36 therebetween. The corrugated filler 36 extends in the direction of the compressive load, thereby providing load carrying capability for the compressive load. As a result, all components of the panel structure have a compressive load carrying capability resulting in a high strength-to-weight ratio when the compressive load is limiting.

Abstract: A daze fastener system for connecting two or more structural elements wherein the structural elements and fastener parts have substantially different coefficient of thermal expansion physical property characteristics is employed in this invention. By providing frusto-conical abutting surfaces between the structural elements and fastener parts any differences in thermal expansion/contraction between the parts is translated to sliding motion and avoids deleterious thermal stresses in the connection. An essential feature for isotropic homogeneous material connections is that at least two sets of mating surfaces are required wherein each set of mating surfaces have line element extensions that pass through a common point.

Abstract: A dual structure aerospace vehicle 10 having an aeroshell structure 11 and an internally disposed separable and reusable integral tank/thrust structure 13 is disclosed. Tank/thrust structure 13 is insulated for cryogenic fuels and the cavity 24 within aeroshell 11 is insulated from the tank/thrust structure (FIG. 2). An internal support ring 26 within cavity 24 serves as attachment for lugs 30 on tank/thrust structure 13 via double hinges 50 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The aft end of tank/thrust structure 13 is provided with rocket engines and exit nozzles 33, 34, 35 with trunnion support 37 supporting the tank/thrust structure within aeroshell 11.

Abstract: A daze fastener system for connecting two or more structural elements wherein the structural elements and fastener parts have substantially different coefficient of thermal expansion physical property characteristics is employed in this invention. By providing frusto-conical abutting surfaces between the structural elements and fastener parts any differences in thermal expansion/contraction between the parts is translated to sliding motion and avoids deleterious thermal stresses in the connection. An essential feature for isotropic homogeneous material connections is that at least two sets of mating surfaces are required wherein each set of mating surfaces have line element extensions that pass through a common point.

Abstract: The invention is a structure for a strong, lightweight corrugated sheet. The sheet is planar or curved and includes a plurality of corrugation segments, each segment being comprised of a generally U-shaped corrugation 12 with a part-cylindrical crown 13 and cap strip 20, and straight side walls 14 and 15 with secondary corrugations 16 oriented at right angles to said side walls. The cap strip 20 is bonded to the crown 13 and the longitudinal edge 18 of said cap strip extends beyond edge 17 at the intersection between said crown and said side walls. The high strength relative to weight of the structure makes it desirable for use in aircraft or spacecraft.