Structural Design of Large Space Chambers

Structural design of large space environmental chambers offer serious problems to the engineer because of the virtual nightmare of various cryogenic piping, solar simulators, diffusion pumps, and other complex operational equipment. The paper points out the more interesting and critical aspects of the design of large vacuum chambers from a structural point of view using as examples the larger chambers around the country. Included are materials, safety factors, methods of analysis, loading conditions, and operational or proof testing. The conclusion is reached that the structural design of large space environmental chambers is a major design task that required the application of advanced theories from analysis through design coupled with prudent judgment in the establishment of operational guidelines.