Anthony gave a shout of “Open the Valve!” as the end began to let go. It was all too fast. The foam and glass end cap went hurling across the shop. Work continues on our gossamer pressure vessels. Solving one problem allows you to push into a new level of problems. Today was no different. We had two solutions to test. A glued seam reinforcement and fiberglass channels in the end caps. For this round we used the six foot straight air beam instead of Ascender test rib.
The new glue reinforced seam was a big success. The sewn seam alone has big stretch issues above 1.7 psi and starts to fail just above 2 psi. The new seam handled 2.4 psi without any signs of stress. The fiberglass on the end cap channels were still not sure about. The harder surface held up better but was much harder to seal.
The new issue we discover was the strength, or lack of strength, of the nylon shell end closure. At a touch over 2.4 psi it all let go.
While we were shooting giant pellets past his head Mark was steadfastly getting pocket sewn for the new launch bag.
Just remember the story of the tortoise and the hare. Others may be flashier, but you are steadily making progress.
Perseverence builds character, and companies, and space archetecture.