The Use of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics in Viking Pressure Vessel Design

Fracture mechanics methodology has developed rapidly over the past 10 years. Although not as yet sufficiently developed for the treatment of complex structures such as aircraft, it is believed that fracture mechanics can provide a sound basis for the design of simple structures such as pressure bottles or tanks. Consequently, the Viking Project has adopted its use for design of all pressure vessels on the Viking spacecraft to assure the long life under sustained pressure necessary for the trip to Mars