Can someone please help me with this materials science question. PLEASE provide

Question

Can someone please help me with this materials science question. PLEASE provide details if you can. Thanks.

In 1986 Morton Thiokol had designed the solid rocket boosters for the space shuttle Challenger the field joints were sealed using polymer 'O' rings. The morning of the launch was predicted to be unseasonably cold (low 20'sF). The design engineers advised a launch delay. Explain why the design engineers were suggesting a delay. 16 (ii) O rings help to seal joints usually by being very elastic. If you worked for Morton Thiokol could you have recommended an alternative material for the Q rings? Why or why not

Explanation / Answer

i) O-rings of the field joints in the space shuttle prevent the escape of hot hazardous gases coming out due to to combustion. The morning of shuttle launch experienced a cold weather (low 200 F), the lowest temperature experienced by the O-rings in any previous mission was 53°F. and hence it was suggested that the launch must be delayed asthe cold weather would create the problems of joint rotation and delayed O-ring seating.  .

ii) We can use some other polymeric material, with greater range of thermal stability and which can resist cold temperatures that usually pose a problem for the launch, for the O-ring

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