Fracture mechanics analyses of the slip-side joggle regions of wing-leading-edge panels

Abstract

The Space Shuttle wing-leading edge consists of panels that are made of reinforced carbon-carbon. Coating spallation was observed near the slip-side region of the panels that experience extreme heating. To understand this phenomenon, a root-cause investigation was conducted. As part of that investigation, fracture mechanics analyses of the slip-side joggle regions of the hot panels were conducted. This paper presents an overview of the fracture mechanics analyses.

Keywords

• Fracture mechanics
• Strain energy release rates
• Re-entry heating
• On orbit cold
• Space Shuttle
• Wing leading edge panels