Application of Advanced Structural Technologies and Materials to Large Launch Vehicles

This paper summarizes the results of a broad survey study of the influence on weight of future large launch vehicles through use of advanced materials. Interrelationships of results with other factors such as design criteria, design approach, types of wall construction and advanced analysis techniques are considered. Specific results are presented for both advanced metals and wall construction techniques. New, computerized techniques used in developing these results are described, and applicability to similar future studies is noted.