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Author
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Topic: Delta IV Launch Pad Cracks
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Danno
Member Posts: 572
From: Ridgecrest, CA - USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 03-26-2007 03:02 PM
  
The Delta IV Launh pad at the Cape suffered some bad cracks during a test of the Heavy vehicle. Check out the PowerPoint slides if you can. |
art540
Member Posts: 432
From: Orange, California USA
Registered: Sep 2006
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posted 03-26-2007 03:23 PM
There was similar damage done to the new SLC 4 at VAFB in May 1963 when an Atlas-Agena undergoing propellent loading tests slowly collapsed due to a lox line bubble that prevented draining the tank. After pressure was let out the vehicle slowly bent over. Images and details of this event are very sketchy. Can anyone help with the missing elements? |
Danno
Member Posts: 572
From: Ridgecrest, CA - USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 03-26-2007 05:10 PM
The early Atlas tanks were balloon tanks made of very thin steel with virtually no support. The pressure in the tanks were all that kept the vehicle rigid. Without pressurization in the tanks the vehicle would collapse.So to detank the Atlas you would need to keep pressure in the tanks as they were draining. |
art540
Member Posts: 432
From: Orange, California USA
Registered: Sep 2006
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posted 03-26-2007 06:36 PM
I believe the damage was such that the tank could not be kept prssurized after or during draining or the vehicle put into stretch, In any case the images and story must be fascinating when we finally get it all down. Curt Johnson the test conductor did not elaborate on the details except the roor cause of lox bubbles in the fill and drain line. I have several iamges of Atlas 1D in its VAFB ganrty (Jan 1959) crumpled over due to pressure loss. I do not believe any Atlas tank failed in flight after major yaw or pitch movements. |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
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posted 03-26-2007 07:26 PM
I am aware of the Atlas that depressurized and keeled over (there is video out there somewhere), but the Delta 4/37B incident is not really similar.The accident was caused by a liquid oxygen leak on the launch table (as they call it for D4). The supercold fuel leaked during the Wet Dress Rehearsal (full-up simulated countdown including fueling) in late February, and the temperatures cracked the metal. They are destacking the rocket to analyze the table better and the launch is off until at least late summer, probably longer. ------------------
-Ben www.LaunchPhotography.com |
art540
Member Posts: 432
From: Orange, California USA
Registered: Sep 2006
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posted 03-27-2007 11:19 AM
My intent was to reveal launch pad damage by lox. Sorry about the misunderstanding, |
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