Vented Launch Vehicle Adaptor for Pusher Abort Plume Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launch abort systems face challenges in safely directing the exhaust plume away from critical areas during an emergency abort, risking damage to the launch vehicle and compromising its functionality, due to the containment of blast plume overpressure within the confined space of the launch vehicle adapter.
Innovation Solution
A vented launch vehicle adaptor with a 'pusher' launch abort system, featuring a cylindrical or conic shape with open trusses or blow-out/hinged door covers, allows exhaust plumes to escape, reducing pressure build-up and protecting the launch vehicle by directing thrust away from it, enabling safe separation during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional enclosed launch vehicle adaptor is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but exhaust plume overpressure is contained within the confined space causing damage to the launch vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor housing is segmented with openings distributed across its surface, dividing the enclosed space into zones that allow controlled exhaust escape while maintaining overall structural integrity through the segmented design
Solution Approach 2:
The openings in the adaptor housing act as intermediaries between the exhaust plume and the external environment, allowing pressure relief while the adaptor structure itself remains intact and functional
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a vented adaptor with openings is used, then exhaust plume escape is enabled, but structural integrity and protection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor housing has different local qualities: areas with openings for exhaust escape and areas with solid structure for strength, creating a heterogeneous structure optimized for both venting and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor may utilize composite material construction that combines materials with different properties to achieve both the required structural strength and the venting functionality in a single integrated component
3Force
If a pusher launch abort system is used, then thrust is directed away from the launch vehicle, but exhaust plume management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust plume management is merged into the adaptor housing structure itself, with openings integrated directly into the housing to provide passive venting without requiring separate active management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor housing with its openings provides self-service exhaust management, automatically relieving pressure through the built-in openings without requiring external control systems or additional components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively directs exhaust plumes away from the launch vehicle, ensuring safe jettisoning and reducing the risk of damage, while also allowing for the reuse of propellants for re-boosting space stations and lowering payload center of gravity, and is potentially lighter than traditional tractor-type systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one launch abort system thruster is configured to produce thrust in a direction away from the launch vehicle
Implementation Method 2
an open truss, which allows for exhaust produced by at least one launch abort system thruster to escape from the launch vehicle adaptor
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and apparatus for a vented launch vehicle adaptor (LVA) for a manned spacecraft with a “pusher” launch abort system are disclosed. The disclosed LVA provides a structural interface between a commercial crew vehicle (CCV) crew module/service module (CM/SM) spacecraft and an expendable launch vehicle. The LVA provides structural attachment of the module to the launch vehicle. It also provides a means to control the exhaust plume from a pusher-type launch abort system that is integrated into the module. In case of an on-pad or ascent abort, which requires the module to jettison away from the launch vehicle, the launch abort system exhaust plume must be safely directed away from critical and dangerous portions of the launch vehicle in order to achieve a safe and successful jettison.