Launch Vehicle Design Process Characterization Technical Integration And Lessons Learned

Engineering design is a challenging activity for any product. Since launch vehicles are highly complex and interconnected and have extreme energy densities, their design represents a challenge of the highest order. The purpose of this document is to delineate and clarify the design process associated with the launch vehicle for space flight transportation. The goal is to define and characterize a baseline for the space transportation design process. This baseline can be used as a basis for improving effectiveness and efficiency of the design process. The baseline characterization is achieved via compartmentalization and technical integration of subsystems, design functions, and discipline functions. First, a global design process overview is provided in order to show responsibility, interactions, and connectivity of overall aspects of the design process. Then design essentials are delineated in order to emphasize necessary features of the design process that are sometimes overlooked. Finally the design process characterization is presented. This is accomplished by considering project technical framework, technical integration, process description (technical integration model, subsystem tree, design/discipline planes, decision gates, and tasks), and the design sequence. Also included in the document are a snapshot relating to process improvements, illustrations of the process, a survey of recommendations from experienced practitioners in aerospace, lessons learned, references, and a bibliography. Blair, J. C. and Ryan, R. S. and Schutzenhofer, L. A. and Humphries, W. R. Marshall Space Flight Center

A primary NASA priority is to reduce the cost and improve the effectiveness of launching payloads into space. As a consequence, significant improvements are being sought in the effectiveness, cost, and schedule of the launch vehicle design process. In order to provide a basis for understanding and improving the current design process, a model has been developed for this complex, interactive process, as reported in the references. This model requires further expansion in some specific design functions. Also, a training course for less-experienced engineers is needed to provide understanding of the process, to provide guidance for its effective implementation, and to provide a basis for major improvements in launch vehicle design process technology. The objective of this activity is to expand the description of the design process to include all pertinent design functions, and to develop a detailed outline of a training course on the design process for launch vehicles for use in educating engineers whose experience with the process has been minimal. Building on a previously-developed partial design process description, parallel sections have been written for the Avionics Design Function, the Materials Design Function, and the Manufacturing Design Function. Upon inclusion of these results, the total process description will be released as a NASA TP. The design function sections herein include descriptions of the design function responsibilities, interfaces, interactive processes, decisions (gates), and tasks. Associated figures include design function planes, gates, and tasks, along with other pertinent graphics. Also included is an expanded discussion of how the design process is divided, or compartmentalized, into manageable parts to achieve efficient and effective design. A detailed outline for an intensive two-day course on the launch vehicle design process has been developed herein, and is available for further expansion. The course is in an interactive lecture/wor

Spotlighting the field of Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO), this book illustrates and implements state-of-the-art methodologies within the complex process of aerospace system design under uncertainties. The book provides approaches to integrating a multitude of components and constraints with the ultimate goal of reducing design cycles. Insights on a vast assortment of problems are provided, including discipline modeling, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty propagation, reliability analysis, and global multidisciplinary optimization. The extensive range of topics covered include areas of current open research. This Work is destined to become a fundamental reference for aerospace systems engineers, researchers, as well as for practitioners and engineers working in areas of optimization and uncertainty. Part I is largely comprised of fundamentals. Part II presents methodologies for single discipline problems with a review of existing uncertainty propagation, reliability analysis, and optimization techniques. Part III is dedicated to the uncertainty-based MDO and related issues. Part IV deals with three MDO related issues: the multifidelity, the multi-objective optimization and the mixed continuous/discrete optimization and Part V is devoted to test cases for aerospace vehicle design.

Manned Spacecraft Design Principles presents readers with a brief, to-the-point primer that includes a detailed introduction to the information required at the preliminary design stage of a manned space transportation system. In the process of developing the preliminary design, the book covers content not often discussed in a standard aerospace curriculum, including atmospheric entry dynamics, space launch dynamics, hypersonic flow fields, hypersonic heat transfer, and skin friction, along with the economic aspects of space flight. Key concepts relating to human factors and crew support systems are also included, providing users with a comprehensive guide on how to make informed choices from an array of competing options. The text can be used in conjunction with Pasquale Sforza's, Commercial Aircraft Design Principles to form a complete course in Aircraft/Spacecraft Design. Presents a brief, to-the-point primer that includes a detailed introduction to the information required at the preliminary design stage of a manned space transportation system Involves the reader in the preliminary design of a modern manned spacecraft and associated launch vehicle Includes key concepts relating to human factors and crew support systems Contains standard, empirical, and classical methods in support of the design process Culminates in the preparation of a professional quality design report

With growing interest in space activity and numerous new launchers in development, this book is a timely, comprehensive survey of important concepts and applications. It enhances understanding and provides exposure to practical aspects of design, manufacturing, testing, and engineering associated with these topics.

Very early in the Space Launch Initiative program, a small team of engineers at MSFC proposed a process for performing system-level assessments of a launch vehicle. Aimed primarily at providing insight and making NASA a smart buyer, the Vehicle Integrated Performance Analysis (VIPA) team was created. The difference between the VIPA effort and previous integration attempts is that VIPA a process using experienced people from various disciplines, which focuses them on a technically integrated assessment. The foundations of VIPA s process are described. The VIPA team also recognized the need to target early detailed analysis toward identifying significant systems issues. This process is driven by the T-model for technical integration. VIPA s approach to performing system-level technical integration is discussed in detail. The VIPA process significantly enhances the development and monitoring of realizable project requirements. VIPA s assessment validates the concept s stated performance, identifies significant issues either with the concept or the requirements, and then reintegrates these issues to determine impacts. This process is discussed along with a description of how it may be integrated into a program s insight and review process. The VIPA process has gained favor with both engineering and project organizations for being responsive and insightfulMcGhee, D. S.Marshall Space Flight CenterRELIABILITY ANALYSIS; SYSTEMS INTEGRATION; SPACECRAFT LAUNCHING; LAUNCH VEHICLES; IDENTIFYING; ORGANIZATIONS; TARGETS

Annotation "Design Methodologies for Space Transportation Systems is a sequel to the author's earlier text, "Space Transportation: A Systems Approach to Analysis and Design. Both texts represent the most comprehensive exposition of the existing knowledge and practice in the design and project management of space transportation systems, and they reflect a wealth of experience by the author with the design and management of space systems. The text discusses new conceptual changes in the design philosophy away from multistage expendable vehicles to winged, reusable launch vehicles and presents an overview of the systems engineering and vehicle design process as well as systems trades and analysis. Individual chapters are devoted to specific disciplines such as aerodynamics, aerothermal analysis, structures, materials, propulsion, flight mechanics and trajectories, avionics and computers, and control systems. The final chapters deal with human factors, payload, launch and mission operations, safety, and mission assurance. The two texts by the author provide a valuable source of information for the space transportation community of designers, operators, and managers. A companion CD-ROM succinctly packages some oversized figures and tables, resources for systems engineering and launch ranges, and a compendium of software programs. The computer programs include the USAF AIRPLANE AND MISSILE DATCOM CODES (with extensive documentation); COSTMODL for software costing; OPGUID launch vehicle trajectory generator; SUPERFLO-a series of 11 programs intended for solving compressible flow problems in ducts and pipes found in industrial facilities; and a wealth of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet programs covering thedisciplines of statistics, vehicle trajectories, propulsion performance, math utilities,