A Search for a Reliable Tube Fitting

One of the more subtle problems that has haunted the space and missle industry from its inception has been the selection of a separable tubing connector (fitting) that would be acceptable for the severe service condition characteristic of this type of program.

Many of the unknowns have to be eliminated by the costly method of “in service” trial and error. Methods of testing to determine fitting limitations had to be developed from the results of our failures because we learned that the established test methods of the past, although adequate for their intended use, were not adequate for this type of program.

It shall be our purpose to present possible approaches in design and development procedures that would contribute to the production of a reliable tubing fitting for the various pressure systems of the Aero Space and Missile Industry.