Acoustically damped composite construction for the forward portion of a rocket or missile

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for an acoustical composite construction especially designed for use in a launch vehicle fairing. The acoustical composite construction includes a low density core material having a first side and a second side. A first sheet of rigid face material is bonded to the first side with a visco elastic adhesive, and a second sheet of rigid face material is bonded to the second side with a visco elastic adhesive. The construction is then oven cured or air cured under vacuum bag pressure only.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention generally relates to an acoustically damped composite, and more particularly relates to an acoustically damped composite for use in a launch vehicle rocket fairing. BACKGROUND [0002] Expendable launch vehicle rockets are used to transport satellites and other payloads into space for a minimum of cost. Payload fairings are the ‘nose cone’ structures comprising the forward portion of the launch vehicle and are the part of the launch vehicle in which the payload is stored prior to the vehicle leaving the earth's atmosphere. The forward portion of the launch vehicle comprising the payload fairing can be up to ⅓rd of the overall length of the launch vehicle and has a unique aerodynamic loading scenario that makes this invention possible. Payload fairings protect the payload cargo from heat buildup, electromagnetic interference, collapse pressures due to wind loads, and contamination from dust and other particles as the launch vehicle is booste...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] An apparatus is provided for an acoustical composite construction especially designed for use in a launch vehicle fairing. The acoustical composite construction includes a low density core material having a first side and a second side. A first sheet of rigid face material is bonded to the first side with a visco elastic adhesive, and a second sheet of rigid face material is bonded

Problems solved by technology

Payload fairings also protect the payload cargo from acoustic impingement during the first few seconds of liftoff; the vibration, shock, and noise generated during liftoff can easily damage satellites or other vibration-sensitive cargo.

This method of layered construction is strong, thin, and lightweight, but unfortunately it is too rigid to provide any shock or vibration damping.

The problem with any of these systems is that they add a great deal of weight and cost to the payload fairing and yet they are only functionally necessary for the first few seconds of liftoff.

They often also decrease the space for a payload within the fairing.

The added weight and volume of these add-on systems thus place limitations on the size and weight of payloads that can be transported into space by the launch vehicle rocket.

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