The objective in the NESC Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor (SBKF) Project is to develop and validate new shell buckling design, analysis and testing methods for buckling-critical launch vehicle structures. The analysis makes use of improved “knockdown factors” that allow for a less conservative design.

The SBKF project expects to significantly reduce structural mass in buckling-critical launch vehicle (LV) shell structures and help mitigate future vehicle development and performance risks. One of the objectives of this project was to test the External Tank Test Article (ETTA)-1 to provide critical data to help determine the effects of scale on the buckling of large LV barrel components and also to provide data needed to relate test data obtained from sub-scale test articles to full-scale LV components.

SBKF Assessment Mid-Year Update [PDF]

Contact:

NASA
Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, USA

Dr. Mark Hilburger
Tel: +1 757 864-3106
Mobile: +1 757 272-4756
Email: mark.w.hilburger@nasa.gov