Neubert, Vernon H. | Engineering Papers

NASA NTRS1989

Effects Of Pyrotechnically Generated Shocks

Research program provides better understanding of pyrotechnic phenomenon for design purposes. Evaluating potential for damage to spacecraft by activation of pyrotechnic mechanisms, pyrotechnic-shock tests conducted on three configurations: pin pullers on orthogonal double Hopkinson bar arrangement; pin pullers on mockup of Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) structure; and section of separation joint on single Hopkinson bar. Strains and accelerations measured. Strains converted to output stresses, forces, and moments. Acceleration shock-response spectra obtained for both acceleration and force signals. Results of research useful to designers in making comparison and evaluation tests before committing to costly spacecraft hardware.

Bement, Laurence J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Measurement, data analysis and prediction of pyrotechnic shock from pin-pullers and separation joints

To evaluate the potential for spacecraft damage caused by activation of pyrotechnic mechanisms, pyrotechnic shock tests were conducted on three configurations: pin-pullers on an orthogonal double Hopkinson bar arrangement, pin-pullers on a mock-up of the HALOE (Halogen Occultation Experiment) structure, and a section of separation joint on a single Hopkinson bar. Strains and accelerations were measured. The strains were converted to output stresses, forces and moments. Acceleration shock response spectra are presented for both acceleration- and force-time signals. The devices were attached to the Hopkinson bars with adaptors, which are typical of attachments used in practice. In order to predict the effect of the adaptors, finite element models of the adaptor-bar combinations were analyzed and results are presented with regard to grid size, time interval, and frequency range required to predict the response to pulses of 10 and 100 microsecond duration.

Evans, Maria J.↗