![]() ![]() On the days before the launch, engineers continuously raised the issue about launching in cold conditions. On the 31 st July 1985, a memo circulated that discussed a definite fear of losing a flight due to these conditions. This launch was done at the lowest ambient temperature.įurther tests in March 1985 demonstrated that the O-ring resiliency had issues when used below 10☌. This meant that the hot gases had penetrated both O-rings completely. On the shuttle Flight 51-C on 24 th January 1985, blow-by was observed.Due to exposure to hot gases, the O-rings underwent erosion.This caused the gap between the ring (A) and insulation (E) to increase. The booster ignition caused the heat-resistant putty to displace and increase air pressure between the putty and O-ring. Consider the cross-sectional view in Fig.A – steel wall thickness 12.7 mm B – base O-ring gasket C – backup O-ring gasket D – Strengthening-Cover band E & F – insulation F – insulation G – carpeting H – sealing paste I – fixed propellant (Source: ) Three Possible Issues that Caused the Challenger Disaster 02: A diagram showing a simplified cross-section of the field joints between the segments of the pre-Challenger Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters. On the internal layer, a heat-resistant putty was added to further isolate the rings from the hot gases. ![]() For redundancy, two O-rings were installed. Their purpose was to prevent hot combustion gases and particles from escaping the inside of the booster. These O-rings were installed between the solid fuel segments as shown in Fig. 01: Structure of the solid rocket booster on space shuttle () In contrast, temperatures below this cause materials to behave in a glassy and brittle manner. This means that at temperatures that surpass this glass transition temperature, materials are extremely rubbery. What Actually Happened to the Space Shuttle Challenger?Īs I discussed in a previous article on hyperelasticity, rubber materials demonstrate a glass transition behavior. Today, our understanding of the matter has greatly developed and matured as technological advancements revealed the true causation of the Challenger disaster. However, over the last 30 years, this has been a major case study for engineers and academics alike who have questioned the theories rigorously. Initial investigations reported that the O-ring between the solid boosters failed due to the low temperatures on that day, eventually leading to the breakage of the shuttle. This was the 10 th flight of the Space Shuttle Challenger.ħ3 seconds into the flight, it was believed that the solid boosters exploded killing all the crew on-board and plunging the shuttle into the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature on that day was about -7 ☌. The original launch for the 27 th was postponed. The Space Shuttle Challenger, with a seven-member crew was launched on the morning of 28 th January 1986 from Cape Canaveral, Florida (USA). ![]()
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