I don't find it reasonable to expect a SSTO style tank to crush in a controllable manner. If aluminum, it would require extra thicknes, or some form of ribs throughout the tank, increasing mass considerably. If composite, it won't have any uniformity to the crushing whatsoever - it will simply shatter. Also, the tank will be one of the more expensive bits, so you won't want to lose it every flight.
Dan In a message dated 5/29/03 9:52:52 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << A man-rated SSTO is quite a sizeable vehicle -- if the tanks are designed to crush properly and the crew cabin is on top, you will have at least 10m through which to decelerate. IIRC, ppl have take 16 G continuos on their backs with their legs up -- it should be no problem whatsoever. >> _______________________________________________ ERPS-list mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.erps.org/mailman/listinfo/erps-list
