A Monte Carlo approach to determining prelaunch main-engine buildup loads environments for the Space Shuttle

The purpose of this project was to assess design structural loading of the integrated Space Shuttle vehicle during the prelaunch main-engine thrust buildup phase of its mission, prior to liftoff, using a probabilistic method known as Monte Carlo Simulation.;Since the beginning of the Space Shuttle program, the standard practice of structural design loads analysis methodology has been to combine predicted and flight experience knowledge of Shuttle environments together in a method referred to as deterministic or worst-on-worst analysis. This approach has resulted in increasingly severe loading environments as additional characteristic knowledge of the Shuttle has been gained through operational experience.;A Monte Carlo method of structural design loading analysis has been developed which combines statistical knowledge of Shuttle environments gained through flight experience to produce a less severe design environment without compromising safety. The results of this analysis have produced measurable reductions in Shuttle design structural loading.