The microstructure of three foams and six ablators used as insulating materials on the space shuttles were studied using stereological methods .Compressions test data for BX-250 foam was explored and compared with theoretical stress-strain curves .The foam is strongest in the rise direction with the inclusion of knit lines, the boundaries between layers of sprayed material. The application of the microstructural and test data in the development of finite element models was discussed.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Wright, Lindsay Sherwood

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 04D197M

Advisor

• Durgin, William W.

Year

• 2004

Sponsor

• Lerch, Bradley A.
• NASA Glenn Research Center

Date created

• 2004-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright