Development of a Mass Estimating Relationship Database for Launch Vehicle Conceptual Design

This report attempts to bring mass estimating relations (MERs) for the conceptual design of launch vehicles into the open, and establish a baseline for their comparison. Data was taken from multiple design organizations from around the country and compiled into a database that is freely available for use. To validate the equations, Space Shuttle component masses were predicted. A percentage error was reported, with the sign indicating the direction of the error. No single set of MERs is uniformly more accurate than another. To improve the utility of the equations, modifications can be made to the equations to model improved technologies, such as those used in advanced launch vehicles. Technology reduction factors are also compiled from multiple sources. No proof of their accuracy is available at this time. The greatest accuracy in predicting the mass of a future launch vehicle would be attained by using the most accurate equation for each component, and an appropriate technology reduction factor. Georgia Institute of Technology TRF-4