381. Weight Estimation Criteria for Spacecraft Propulsion Modules
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Paper
Abstract
This paper was presented at the Twenty-second Annual National Conference of the Society of Aeronautical Weight Engineers at St. Louis, Missouri, April 29-May 1, 1963. Weight estimation criteria for spacecraft propulsion modules are presented in this paper. These criteria are considered adequate for Advance Design preliminary estimates. They are intended primarily for initial feasibility weight studies in which answers are required with a minimum of inputs from other technical groups. Many of the criteria are applicable to more detailed studies but some may require further amplification.
The criteria are derived using semi-analytical, semi-empirical techniques. In most cases, the analytical approach has been used and then modified or weighted based on actual data. In some cases the approach has been strictly empirical. In the empirical method available data has been unbiased, that is, adjusted for differences in material, safety factor, etc. and then plotted on log-log paper. Where the weight is a function of one major parameter the plot is simply weight vs. the major parameter. In a number of significant parameters are involved then the plot is weight vs. ‘y’ where ‘y’ defined as the weight parameter, is a function of all the significant parameters. Log-log instead of equival interval graph paper is used because experience has shown that most weight equations are exponential in nature. A straight line fit of the data points therefore yields a rapid graphical solution of the weight equation.
