Spacecraft Structures and Mechanisms describes the integral process of developing cost-effective, reliable structures and mechanical products for space programs. Processes are defined, methods are described and examples are given. It has been written by 24 engineers in the space industry, who cover the themes of (1) ensuring a successful mission, and (2) reducing total cost through good designs and intelligent risk management. Topics include: Introduction and requirements (development process, requirements documentation, requirements definition, space mission environments); Analysis (statics, dynamics and load analysis, fatigue and fracture mechanics, mechanics of materials, strength analysis, heat transfer and thermal effects); Verification and quality assurance (verification planning, structural, mechanical and environmental testing, quality assurance and configuration control, compliance documentation, structural reliability analysis, verification criteria - factors of safety, margins of safety, fracture control, test options); Design (spacecraft configuration development, finite element analysis, mechanism development, designing for producibility, structural design, materials, designing to control loads, load cycles, sensitivity analysis); Final verification (model correlation, risk management, launch readiness reviews). For system engineers, mechanical designers, stress analysts, dynamics and load analysts, technical leads, program managers.

Die Entwicklung von Weltraumfahrzeugen ist ein Industriezweig, der in den vergangenen drei Jahrzehnten beständig gewachsen ist. Heute ist es eine komplexe technische, internationale Branche. Dieses Buch vermittelt Informationen über alle Mechanismen von Weltraumfahrzeugen. Spitzenexperten auf diesem Gebiet, die in verschiedenen Disziplinen zu Hause sind, haben einen wichtigen Beitrag hierzu geleistet. Das Buch ist in drei Teile untergliedert: Grundlagen und technische Eigenschaften wichtiger Materialien; Entwicklung und Verhalten kritischer Komponenten und eine Einführung in Fahrzeugniveau-Analysen und Integrationstechniken. (01/98)

Space flight is a comprehensive and innovative part of technology. It encompasses many fields of technology. This monograph presents a cross section of the total field of expertise that is called "space flight". It provides an optimal reference with insight into the design, construction and analysis aspects of spacecraft. The emphasis of this book is put on unmanned space flight, particularly on the construction of spacecraft rather than the construction of launch vehicles.

Deployable structures can vary their shape automatically from a compact, packaged configuration to an expanded, operational configuration. The first properly engineered deployable structures were used as stabilization booms on early spacecraft. Later on, more complex structures were devised for solar arrays, communication reflectors and telescopes. In other fields there have been a variety of developments, including retractable roofs for stadia, foldable components for cars, portable structures for temporary shelters and exhibition displays. Three main themes are discussed in this book: concepts, working principles, and mechanics of deployable structures, both in engineering and biology; in addition: theory of foldable bar structures and application to deployable tensegrieties; formulation of large-rotation analysis of deployable structures and finite-element simulation methods.

Annotation This text discusses the conceptual stages of mission design, systems engineering, and orbital mechanics, providing a basis for understanding the design process for different components and functions of a spacecraft. Coverage includes propulsion and power systems, structures, attitude control, thermal control, command and data systems, and telecommunications. Worked examples and exercises are included, in addition to appendices on acronyms and abbreviations and spacecraft design data. The book can be used for self-study or for a course in spacecraft design. Brown directed the team that produced the Magellan spacecraft, and has taught spacecraft design at the University of Colorado. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).