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Space ShuttleConference Paper

Intelligent process development of foam molding for the Thermal Protection System (TPS) of the space shuttle external tank

20191 min read84 words
Bharwani, S. S., Walls, J. T., and Jackson, M. E.
Legacy CDMS

A knowledge based system to assist process engineers in evaluating the processability and moldability of poly-isocyanurate (PIR) formulations for the thermal protection system of the Space Shuttle external tank (ET) is discussed. The Reaction Injection Molding- Process Development Advisor (RIM-PDA) is a coupled system which takes advantage of both symbolic and numeric processing techniques. This system will aid the process engineer in identifying a startup set of mold schedules and in refining the mold schedules to remedy specific process problems diagnosed by the system.


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