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Author
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Topic: Teflon tape in CM parachute compartment
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Guswastheman
Member Posts: 85
From: Gresham, OR
Registered: Apr 2011
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posted 10-26-2018 03:29 PM
   
Looking for any information on how Teflon tape was used in the Apollo Command Module (CM) parachute compartment.Have found one photo of tape placed over the edges of metal sections in parachute compartment and am curious if there is any written documentation, i.e. Apollo
Experience Report, North American Aviation (NAA) Report, that discusses use and or installation. As always, thanks for all the support and guidance that only cS members can provide. |
oly
Member Posts: 905
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 10-26-2018 09:42 PM
Following an airdrop test of an Apollo boilerplate, it was determined that the parachute deployment could fail if the chute deployment occurred at abnormal spacecraft orientation angles, due to fouling or damage of parachute components against the spacecraft structure. Modifications were made to the spacecraft design that reduced the number of sharp angles and edges, and the protective tape was applied to areas such as lap joints and protrusions. The subsequent adoption of steel parachute risers and a redesign of the packing procedures and deployment system reduced the risk of such problems.The use of Teflon impregnated materials was widespread within the Apollo Command Module and spacecraft systems, including Teflon impregnated fiberglass material similar to the Beta cloth used on the spacesuit outer layers. A similar material was manufactured as a tape that was used to wrap items such as the parachute steel riser cable end fittings to prevent chaffing and fouling, and the parachutes were packed within packs manufactured from Teflon impregnated material. This image and this image show the bare structure and the engineering design adapted to provide a smooth location for the parachute stowage. It is difficult to find images of the ELS location post-flight/pre-display to know just how much tape was applied to smooth surfaces under the Forward Heat Shield and Earth Landing Systems surfaces, there is not much mentioned within the Earth Landing Systems Apollo Experience Report. |
Guswastheman
Member Posts: 85
From: Gresham, OR
Registered: Apr 2011
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posted 10-27-2018 05:14 PM
Thanks you, this really helps a ton! |
oly
Member Posts: 905
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 10-27-2018 10:26 PM
Do you have an example of the form of Teflon tape you are seeking information on?Teflon tape is a broad description, from the thin white material used by plumbers to seal threaded pipes, a golden brown coloured plastic type anti chafe strip, a fiberglass or cloth material, usually white, but can be many colours, or a clear plastic appearance, and even Teflon impregnated rubber can be used within clamp cushioning material (try a google image search for Teflon tape) or check this result. However, the only descriptions I have found used within the parachute system were detailed in my post above. This film shows the packing and testing of the Block II spacecraft parachute system and shows the area under the forward heat shield of a boilerplate capsule. Viewing this film will reveal why it is difficult to identify Teflon tape used in the parachute system. If you could provide an example of the material you are seeking information about, more assistance may be possible. |
Guswastheman
Member Posts: 85
From: Gresham, OR
Registered: Apr 2011
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posted 10-31-2018 01:16 PM
Oly, did you receive the photo sent to your email? |
oly
Member Posts: 905
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 10-31-2018 09:19 PM
I did receive your email, sorry for the delay in reply. Your tape sample has obviously been removed from something, and the associated note detailing that it is from the parachute housing gives no further clue if it was from the command module proper, from within the forward heat shield, or from a parachute packing container as seen in the above film clip.I believe that much of the tape applied to the flown command modules within the parachute area would have been removed as part of the post flight processing, as this would be an area that could retain sea water and become a corrosion issue later in life. This image of Apollo 8 shows tape applied in this area, which is of similar colour to your sample (the colour match will depend on lighting conditions and other factors). I do not know if the tape on the Apollo 8 vehicle is standard or facsimile, but you may have a specimen of the same material. |
oly
Member Posts: 905
From: Perth, Western Australia
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 11-02-2018 08:38 PM
These two photos show the tape applied to the command module parachute section structure post flight. While the preserved Apollo 11 Command Module appears to have the tape applied in a different pattern. This is the best image I know of showing this area of the Apollo 11 Command Module pre-mission. | |
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