Comparison of Separation Shock for Explosive and Nonexplosive Release Actuators on a Small Spacecraft Panel.

Abstract

Functional shock, safety, overall system costs, and emergence of new technologies, have raised concerns regarding continued use of pyrotechnics on spacecraft. NASA Headquarters participated with Lockheed Martin Missile and Space Co. in objectively evaluating applicability of some non-explosive actuators (NEA) mechanisms to reduce small spacecraft and booster separation event shock. Comparative tests were conducted on a structural simulator using five different separation nut mechanisms consisting of three pyrotechnics. Multiple actuations were performed with preloads up to 7000 pounds, 7000 being the comparison standard. All devices except LMA's NEA rotary flywheel nut concept were available units with no added provisions to attenuate shock. Accelerometer measurements were recorded, reviewed, processed into Shock Response Spectra (SRS), and comparisons performed.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA326810

Entities

People

  • J. P. Woolley
  • M. H. Lucy
  • R. D. Buehrle

Organizations

  • Langley Research Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accelerometers
  • Actuators
  • Diffraction
  • Explosive Actuators
  • Explosives
  • Flywheels
  • Measurement
  • Pyrotechnics
  • Shock Response Spectra
  • Simulators
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectra
  • Standards
  • Teamwork
  • Wave Phenomena

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites