Evaluation of heat- and blast-protection materials /

A program was initiated at the Kennedy Space Center in December 1967 and conducted through December 1969 to evaluate the performance of heat- and blast-protection materials for ground support equipment used during the Apollo/Saturn launches. Materials believed to be generally suitable for heat and blast protection were subjected to launch-exposure tests. Tests were made during the Apollo/Saturn 502, 503, and 505 launches. Tests were also made in a local laboratory, as an alternative to the restrictive requirements of launch-exposure tests, to determine the effects of torch-flame exposure on ablative materials. Five materials were found to be satisfactory in all major test categories. It was determined that torch-flame tests can probably be utilized as an acceptable substitute for the booster-engine-exhaust exposure tests for basic screening of candidate materials.Includes bibliographical references (p. 20).A program was initiated at the Kennedy Space Center in December 1967 and conducted through December 1969 to evaluate the performance of heat- and blast-protection materials for ground support equipment used during the Apollo/Saturn launches. Materials believed to be generally suitable for heat and blast protection were subjected to launch-exposure tests. Tests were made during the Apollo/Saturn 502, 503, and 505 launches. Tests were also made in a local laboratory, as an alternative to the restrictive requirements of launch-exposure tests, to determine the effects of torch-flame exposure on ablative materials. Five materials were found to be satisfactory in all major test categories. It was determined that torch-flame tests can probably be utilized as an acceptable substitute for the booster-engine-exhaust exposure tests for basic screening of candidate materials.Mode of access: Internet