v5p1401b

Report of the PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident

Volume 5 Index

Hearings of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident: February 26, 1986 to May 2, 1986.

MARCH 21, 1986 SESSION. (part 2 of 2)

[1402] [Ref. 3/21-92] Summary of Selected Tests. (continued).

SUMMARY OF SELECTED TESTS (CONT'D)

TEST 6

- PUTTY WITH 1/2" VENT, V-SHAPED SCRATCH ON SEALING SURFACE 0.020" X 0.020", 24 SECOND BURN, 0.019" GAP, 70°F

- SMALL PLUME IMMEDIATELY AT DEFECT/SHUTOFF AND THEN REAPPEARED 90° FROM DEFECT, MOLTEN METAL FROM JOINT, SIGNIFICANT METAL DAMAGE

TEST 7

- SAME AS 6 EXCEPT, NO VENT IN PUTTY, 30°F, 2 SCRATCHES

- SMOKE APPEARED AFTER 10 SECONDS, FLOWS FOR 5-6 SECONDS THEN CEASES

[1403] [Ref. 3/21-93] Observations.

OBSERVATIONS

VISUAL FLAMES SIGNIFY HARDWARE DAMAGE
METAL-TO-METAL GAP SIZE IS A SIGNIFICANT VARIABLE
PUTTY CAN DELAY PRESSURE TO O-RING FOR SECONDS
MOTOR CAN PRODUCE SMOKE FOR MANY SECONDS WITHOUT A BURNTHROUGH
FLOW CAN BE STOPPED AT AN INITIAL DEFECT AND REAPPEAR ELSEWHERE

Back