2007-08-09 01:13:07 · 4 answers · asked by spaz 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
The toughest environment is during launch. Most of the structural vibration and stresses occur due to the rocket engines.
There is also one point during launch where aerodynamic forces are maximized. This point is called "max. Q" and is described by the Wiki article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Q
.
2007-08-09 04:46:31 · answer #1 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're talking about the most "stress" on the space shuttle, it has to be the launch because of the solid rocket boosters. The boosters have approximately 3 million pounds of thrust. An astronaut did describe once that when the boosters ignite, it's like being strapped to a freight train. The boosters separate from the orbiter and external tank after 120 seconds and fall to the ocean. This is when astronauts can take a deep breath and relax.
2007-08-09 18:47:08 · answer #2 · answered by kmf12 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I read your question correctly, I believe the most stresses on the structure of the shuttle occur during the launch.
2007-08-09 01:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That isn't even close to making sense of any kind.
2007-08-09 01:16:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋