Eads Deutschland Gmbh

Daimler-benz Aerospace Ag

Axel Runge

Horst Heinze

Andreas Schuster

Heinz Voggenreiter

Joachim Schupp

Christian Schlosser

The present invention relates to an attachment device for a cryogenic satellite tank. In order to achieve adequate rigidity in such an attachment device while reducing the thermal conductivity and at the same time ensuring simple construction which is easy to realize from a technical point of view, so-called shape memory alloy elements are used. Due to suitable arrangement or interaction between a support element ( ) and a connecting component ( ) or a thermally controlled connection arranged in the support element ( ) it is achieved that after the launch of the rocket, the SMA element automatically expands significantly in the cold space environment as a result of phase transformation, thus reducing surface pressure at respective connection points of the attachment device, and partly disengaging the contact. Consequently, the thermal flow via these connection points is reduced or completely eliminated.

Attachment device for a cryogenic satellite tank

Fastening of a thermal protection structure on the airframe of a craft such as a spaceplane, rocket, missile, re-entry capsule, or any hypersonic airplane wherein the thermal protection structure consists of a plurality of highly heat-resistant, mechanically stable panels, which may be provided with an additional gap seal if desired, with a plurality of fastening points per panel, which are arranged at spaced locations from one another and establish a positive-locking connection between the insulation structure and the airframe. The fastening has a first fastening point, which does not permit any movement, or it does permit an at least limited rotary movement of the panel around an axis extending at right angles to the airframe surface; a second fastening point, which permits a limited, linear displacement of the panel in parallel to the airframe surface; and at least one additional fastening point, which permits a limited displacement of the panel in all directions. The first fastening point is designed as a self-locking plug-type or snap connection, which can be released from the panel surface, with an assembling bolt, with a connection element accommodating it, and with a spring element interlocking these two parts. All other fastening points are designed as plug-type connections, with the same direction of plugging in for all fastening points.

Fastening of a thermal insulation structure

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Ottobrunn, Germany

Axel Runge