Co-Authors:
Rosen, B.W., Space Sciences Laboratory, General Electric Co., United States
Snyder, R.W., Space Sciences Laboratory, General Electric Co., United States
Dow, N.F., Space Sciences Laboratory, General Electric Co., United States
Abstract:
Studies of the potential for minimization of structural weight in large launch vehicles of the future through the use of composite materials are described. Previous structural weight minimization techniques for composites are reviewed and extended. Typical structural efficiency charts are presented. Significant weight saving through the application of an efficiently stiffened composite structure is demonstrated.