BASIC INVESTIGATION OF THE OPERATION OF PROPELLANT ACTUATED DEVICES IN SPACE ENVIRONMENT. VACUUM PHASE.

Abstract

The study of vacuum effects is phased to the basic investigation of the operation of propellant actuated devices (PAD) in a space environment. PAD were soaked in a 10 to the -6th power torr vacuum for a period of approximately 70 hours, removed and fired in atmospheric environment. Similar items were also soaked at the same vacuum level for approximately 170 hours and fired while still subject to this environment. The results of these tests indicated that PAD will perform properly after having been subjected to a vacuum environment simulating altitudes of over 500,000 ft for periods up to one week. To perform the latter tests, the vacuum machine was modified. A pressure-vacuum work chamber was constructed which could withstand firing forces and contaminates. A special valving system was incorporated that would protect the vital parts during firing. Other features were added, such as viewing ports and mechanical and electrical feed-throughs, all of which made this machine more adaptable to the particular task. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0802138

Entities

People

  • George P. Miller

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Environments
  • Altitude
  • Biological Phenomena
  • Environment
  • Propellant Actuated Devices
  • Propellants
  • Space Environments

Readers

  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster