Safety factor is an engineering value which multiplies the maximum strength or wear of a component. E.g., a drive shaft for you car may have a safety factor of 10 or more. It adds weight and cost more. In aircraft and spaceships, Safety factors are like 1.1 or 1.3, very low, for less weight is a premium. I say it's beyond it's design life. For me the design was extremely successful, for others could argue it was over designed. Not bad for an engineer's calculation using many assumptions. Great design, you NASA Engineers are the best. SgtPete PE
Next time, maybe they should plan on a five year mission or longer.
ReplyDeleteLet's see. Spirit and Curiosity were supposed to last 90 day and Curiosity is still running around.
ReplyDeleteSo, gee, let's NOT build parts to last past their design parameters.
I am so sick of NASA being cheap on stuff like this. It is a little far to go to change the tires, don't ya think?
It's "Made in America".
ReplyDeleteSafety factor is an engineering value which multiplies the maximum strength or wear of a component. E.g., a drive shaft for you car may have a safety factor of 10 or more. It adds weight and cost more. In aircraft and spaceships, Safety factors are like 1.1 or 1.3, very low, for less weight is a premium. I say it's beyond it's design life. For me the design was extremely successful, for others could argue it was over designed. Not bad for an engineer's calculation using many assumptions. Great design, you NASA Engineers are the best. SgtPete PE
ReplyDeleteTakin' a lickin' and keepin' on tickin'!
ReplyDelete