Saturday, June 6, 2009

Struggle continues over Thrust Oscillation

Robert Block
The Write Stuff
Orlando Sentinel

NASA and industry engineers are still wrestling with the shaking that plagues the Ares I rocket on ascent, evaluating various possible fixes.

The shaking, known as thrust oscillation, occurs because of the way Ares' solid-rocket fuel first stage burns, vibrating the vehicle like a giant organ pipe.

Computer models show the shaking takes place about 115 seconds into flight. In the worst case, Ares I could be damaged and the crew hurt or killed.

Read the Post HERE.