Author(s)

J. Finckenor, M. Spurrier

Abstract

Intertanks, the structure between tanks of launch vehicles, are prime candidates for weight reduction of rockets. This paper discusses the optimization and detailed analysis of a 96" (2.44 m) diameter, 77" (1.85 m) tall intertank. The structure has composite face sheets and an aluminum honeycomb core. The ends taper to a thick built-up laminate for a double lap bolted shear joint. It comprises 8 full length panels joined with bonded double lap joints. The nominal line load is40001b/in(7*10*N/m). Optimization is by Genetic Algorithm and minimizes weight by varying core thickness, number and orientation of acreage and build-up plies, and the size, number and spacing of bolts. A variety of cases were run w

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