Engineering accomplishments - Essay Example

When the seals are exposed to temperatures above 5000 0F, they are not able to withstand for an extended period. Therefore, there has a been the need to develop an engineering technology that would ensure that the temperatures emanating from the motor joints do not damage the O-rings. The development of the rocket motor joint with thermal barriers was a major 21st century breakthrough. It has ensured that the heat generated by the motor joints is contained. This paper places into perspective the development of the thermal barriers in the rocket motor joints and the benefits that the engineering technology has brought.

High temperatures in rocket systems require a thermal barrier. An efficient thermal barrier is one that is composed of a carbon fiber, which forms the core while braided carbon fibers, forms part of the layers. The layers are usually found around the core. The protection of the components of the rocket that cannot bear high temperatures is very vital, for example the elastomeric O-rings seals both the primary and secondary ones requires to be protected against high temperatures(Patrick et al 577).

This made it possible to develop an innovation that will see efficiency in the rocket in order to make the work of space exploration easy and efficient. Additionally, the thermal barriers are required in any other machines, especially that require high efficiency and are used for extended periods. The development of the Rocket Motor Joint with thermal barrier was considered the NASA Government invention of the year in 2004 (National Aeronautics and Space Exploration 14). This is because of its capacity to withstand extremely high temperatures.

The development was made in consideration of the current as well as future rocket motors, some of which have been under development. In addition, it is not limited to use in the motors since it can also be uses in other equipment such as industrial