PREFERRED
RELIABILITY
PRACTICES
PRACTICE
NO.
PD-ED-1252
PAGE 1 OF 5
MATERIAL SELECTION PRACTICES
MARSHALL
SPACE
FLIGHT
CENTER
Practice:
Aerospace systems designers must ensure that the most reliable material is used to meet the
design requirements for aerospace systems. Test results regarding corrosion resistance,
susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking, flammability, toxicity, thermal vacuum stability, and
compatibility with rocket engine fuels, oxidizers, and hydraulic fluids; as well as extensive
chemical and physical properties data; are included in the Materials and Processes Technical
Information System (MAPTIS). This information is used to assist the aerospace designer in
identifying the most reliable material candidates for space systems.
Benefits:
Reliable materials can be selected for aerospace applications by choosing those materials that
have demonstrated reliability in carefully controlled laboratory testing and in operational space
flights. Use of the MAPTIS data base by system designers will ensure that materials that have
demonstrated reliable performance in flight and test experience are the first to be considered in
new or revised designs. Engineers will then have the confidence in their selections, knowing that
the data on which their decisions have been made have been thoroughly validated.
Programs that Certified Usage:
Saturn I and Saturn V programs, Space Shuttle Main Engine, Solid Rocket Booster, Solid Rocket
Motor, Space Shuttle External Tank, and Spacelab.
Center to Contact for More Information:
Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
Implementation Method:
Introduction:
The Materials and Processes Technical Information System (MAPTIS) resides on a DEC
Alpha 7620 Computer located at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville,
Alabama. It can be accessed through the Internet after assignment of an account number by
completing a user request form which can be obtained from MSFC.
The MAPTIS data base contains properties and test histories on both
metals and nonmetals. Searches of the database can be accomplished by
material code, material specification, manufacturer, or by a string or phrase
search. Materials are rated based on criteria in NASA Handbook 8060.1C ,
1
Marshall Space Flight Center Specification 250 , Marshall Space Flight Center
2
Downloaded from http://www.everyspec.com
