1/4 Tank Bulkhead Segment for the European Ariane 5

Author:  Wustefeld, Kittel, Kopp, Linnemann, Werner, Durr,
Source:  Conf Proc: ICSP-6, (p. 87-94)
Doc ID:  1996055
Year of Publication:  1996
Abstract:  
The Institute for Metal Forming of the RETH Aachen has been involved in shot peen forming since the nineteen seventies. Numerous developments have been carried out to date in close co-operation with the aerospace industry. In order to guarantee a high standard of manufacturing, a 7-axis CNC-controlled shot peening plant was put into operation in the institute at the beginning of 1993. The optoelectronic measurement of the shot velocity and measurement of the contours of the components to be peened with a laser system, in conjunction with the on-line recording of the peening parameters, enables a controlled shot peen forming to within a very narrow manufacturing tolerances. In autumn, 1995, the forming of a 1/4 tank bulkhead segment (length 4500 mm, width 2500 mm with a radius of 3004 mm) for the cryogenic main stage H150 of the European Ariane 5 rocket was successfully proven in a jount feasibility study.