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A segmented externally corrugated payload shroud

Shown here is an externally axially corrugated, internally ring-stiffened payload shroud that failed unexpectedly during a test. This and the next four slides pertain to this example.

The segmented stiffened payload shroud can buckle during launch because of beam-type bending of the shroud under the non-axisymmetric dynamic pressure loading as the rocket passes through the atmosphere.

The skin thicknesses and external corrugation thicknesses increase in steps from tip to base of the shroud.

In a test of this payload shroud early buckling occurred unexpectedly at the field joint at Station 468.

As demonstrated in the next four slides, buckling can occur from non-axisymmetric external dynamic pressure that generates primarily axial compression on the leeward side of the shroud that increases from its tip to its base as the shroud bends like a beam under the non-axisymmetric dynamic pressure loading encountered during launch through the atmosphere.

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