Stuck Knob Causes Serious Window Damage To Atlantis 291
Posted
by
timothy
from the for-want-of-a-nail dept.
from the for-want-of-a-nail dept.
FTL writes "While in orbit a metal knob floated between a window and the dashboard of Atlantis. Once back on Earth, the shuttle contracted, wedging the knob firmly in place and damaging the window. Initial attempts to free the knob have failed and engineers may need six months to disassemble that section of the orbiter. Given that the shuttle program will probably end next year anyway, such a delay might mean scrapping Atlantis early rather than repairing it. Efforts to remove the knob using less invasive techniques continue."
Aren't the windshields replaced all the time? (Score:5, Interesting)
Dissolve it (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Been there done that (Score:3, Interesting)
Try replacing a heater core in a modern car - usually the entire dash assembly has to be removed to get it out. Figure out how much a factory shop is going to charge you for that.
Better than the Chevy 2.8L transverse V6 I suppose. The section of the shop manual for replacing spark plugs starts with: "Unbolt the dogbone and engine mounts and rotate the engine forward". Yes, to replace the sparkplugs you're supposed to unbolt the fucking engine from the car.
If car mfg's come up with this crap - think how much more convoluted your average rocket jockey is going to be when he comes up with something that's only supposed to be replaced once every 2 to 3 vehicles.
Re:Aren't the windshields replaced all the time? (Score:5, Interesting)
Why not spray a sealant around the surrounding materials, lay in an extraction nozzle attached to a pump, pour a mold around it then use a chemical to dissolve the metal, at least the edges of the metal, enough to remove it? No vibrations, no pressure, no crazy coolant or heating solutions. You can pick a site to work on that is least risk, such as the area in contact with the glass (assuming the glass isn't affected by the chemicals dissolving the metal).
Re:physics (Score:3, Interesting)
Well, since everyone else is throwing in their idea, here's mine.
How about a very low-speed, low pressure diamond wire-saw?
For example: SXJ-2 Precision Endless Wire Saw - 840 mm long, 0.35 mm dia. Diamond Loop Wire (that's a continuous loop - they'd need to cut it, and re-attach it after wrapping it around the knob).
They could feed the flexible saw wire around around the knob and adjust the cutting pressure to keep it as safe as they want to be. If it's just a wire coated in diamond dust or the like, it will cut very slowly and precisely.
Note: If it works, please send me the cut pieces :)
N.