"If you're trying to put these structures into orbit, every gram counts. Not just every pound but every gram...So you are making structures that are operating at their margins." --- Dr Chauncey Wu, NASA Langley Research Center

Today's conversation features Dr Chauncey Wu, who is a research engineer at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Chauncey has worked at NASA for more than 30 years, predominantly in the field of structural mechanics, and has been responsible for designing and testing a number of space structures that have been launched into space. Some examples of his work include structural analyses on the LITE telescope that was launched into space in 1994, as well as the optimisation of rocket propellant tank structures, and conceptual design studies of lunar lander vehicles and habitat structures for the colonisation of the Moon. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss:

Chauncey’s path to NASA as an undergraduate student

The history of NASA and the cultural shift compared to its predecessor, the NACA

The reason why rocket science is so hard

Chauncey’s recent research on a new type of lightweight composite material: tow-steered composites, which could be a game-changer for rocket booster designs

And much, much more

Please enjoy this wide ranging conversation with Dr Chauncey Wu! If you enjoy the Aerospace Engineering Podcast you can support it by leaving a review on iTunes or by becoming a patron.

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Selected Links from the Episode

NASA Langley Research Center

NASA Glenn, NASA Goddard, NASA Ames and NASA Marshall

NASA co-op program

The NACA (predecessor to NASA)

Bob Gilruth, Chris Kraft

Collier Trophy

Low-Drag Cowling and Fred Weick

John Stack, Larry Bell, Chuck Yaeger and the X-1

Slotted-wall wind tunnel

Richard Whitcomb, the Area Rule and the Supercritical Airfoil

Science Office for Mission Assessments

The safety factor

The history of rocketry and a primer on rocket science and lightweight design

Tow-steered composites (some further NASA research here and here)

ISAAC

Imperfection sensitivity of cylinders (the introduction of this paper conveys the message)

Video of collapsing soda can and "scientific" crush test

NASA Shell Buckling Knockdown Factor (video)