Determination of Flight Hardware Configuration of Energy-Absorbing Attenuator for Proposed Space Station Crew and Equipment Translation Aid Cart
Abstract
A device incorporating a crushable honeycomb column as the energy- absorbing mechanism was designed as an emergency stopping device for the crew and equipment translation aid (CETA) cart. The CETA cart is designed to transport astronauts along a monorail on the space station. Impact tests were performed to determine which honeycomb design provided a stopping force of 100 lb and energy dissipation of at least 1650 in-lb for 16.5 in. of stroke. A typical honeycomb column consisted of four 5.875-in-long segments of 75-psi honeycomb, separated by 1.5-in-diameter washers. The impact load was provided by a mass which dropped from a sufficient height to provide one half the equivalent energy of one astronaut plus equipment (500 lb total) moving at 6 ft/sec. Specimen configurations having aluminum, polyethylene, and Teflon washers were tested. Based on the results of impact tests, a honeycomb energy-absorbing column with standard core, foil wrapping, and Teflon washers was chosen for the CETA flight experiment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA235901
Entities
People
- Edwin L. Fasanella
- John E. Teter Jr.
- Karen E. Jackson
- Lisa E. Jones
Organizations
- Langley Research Center