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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1970

Pyrotechnic hazards classification and evaluation program. Phase 2, segment 1: Records and experience analysis

A comprehensive search review and analysis was made of various technical documents relating to both pyrotechnics and high explosives testing, handling, storage, manufacturing, physical and chemical characteristics and accidents and incidents. Of approximately 5000 technical abstracts reviewed, 300 applicable documents were analyzed in detail. These 300 documents were then converted to a subject matrix so that they may be readily referenced for application to the current programs. It was generally concluded that information in several important categories was lacking. Two of the more important categories were in pyrotechnics sensitivity testing and TNT equivalency testing. A general recommendation resulting from this study was that this activity continue and a comprehensive data bank be generated that would allow immediate access to a large volume of pertinent information in a relatively short period of time.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Apollo experience report: Spacecraft pyrotechnic systems

Pyrotechnic devices were used successfully in many systems of the Apollo spacecraft. The physical and functional characteristics of each device are described. The development, qualification, and performance tests of the devices and the ground-support equipment are discussed briefly. Recommendations for pyrotechnic devices on future space vehicles are given.

Falbo, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A High-efficiency, Small, Solid-state Laser for Pyrotechnic Ignition

A completely self-contained, small, neodymium laser has been designed and demonstrated for use in a pyrotechnic ignition system. A nominal 16 J of laser energy (1.06 micron wavelength, 1-ms duration) was achieved in a rectangular 10.5-X 15.1-X 25.4-cm package weighting 5.14 kg. This high energy-to-weight ratio is encouraging for laser applications in which specific energy efficiency (energy per unit weight or volume) is important. The laser design concepts are described, and some results on pyrotechnic ignition are given. Some details on a laser currently under construction, which will be 1/8 the size of the above laser, are included.

Yang, L. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

SBASI: Actuated pyrotechnic time delay initiator

A precision pyrotechnic time delay initiator for missile staging was developed and tested. Incorporated in the assembly is a single bridgewire Apollo standard initiator (SBASI) for initiation, a through-bulkhead-initiator to provide isolation of the SBASI output from the delay, the pyrotechnic delay, and an output charge. An attempt was made to control both primary and secondary variables affecting functional performance of the delay initiator. Design and functional limit exploration was performed to establish tolerance levels on manufacturing and assembling operations. The test results demonstrate a 2% coefficient of variation at any one temperature and an overall 2.7% coefficient of variation throughout the temperature range of 30 to 120 F. Tests were conducted at simulated operational altitude from sea level to 200,000 feet.

Salter, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Pyrotechnic shock measurement and data analysis requirements

A study of laboratory measurement and analysis of pyrotechnic shock prompted by a discrepancy in preliminary Mariner Jupiter/Saturn shock test data is reported. It is shown that before generating shock response plots from any recorded pyrotechnic event, a complete review of each instrumentation and analysis system must be made. In addition, the frequency response capability of the tape recorder used should be as high as possible; the discrepancies in the above data were due to inadequate frequency response in the FM tape recorders. The slew rate of all conditioning amplifiers and input converters must be high enough to prevent signal distortion at maximum input voltage; amplifier ranges should be selected so that the input pulse is approximately 50% of full scale; the Bessel response type should be chosen for digital shock analysis if antialiasing filters are employed; and transducer selection must consider maximum acceleration limit, mounted resonance frequency, flat clean mounting surfaces, base bending sensitivity, and proper torque.

Albers, L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Pyrotechnic shock measurement and data analysis requirements

An investigation is described into the laboratory measurement and analysis of pyrotechnic shock which was prompted at JPL when two separate facilities generated discrepant pyrotechnic shock data while testing Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 spacecraft hardware. Both of the testing facilities were surveyed. The only difference noted was in the FM tape recorders used to record the data. One facility used a tape recorder operating at 60 in./sec with a frequency response of 20 kHz; the other used a tape recorder operating at 120 in./sec with a frequency response of 80 kHz. The accelerometers, cables, charge amplifiers, and mechanical setups were identical.

Albers, L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Miniature pyrotechnic shock simulator

The development of pyrotechnic shock testing is prompted by requirements created by pyrotechnic devices. At the present time there are no standard techniques for the production of a given pulse. At the Jet Propulsion Laboratory a device has been developed which appears to be promising as a general-purpose laboratory tool. This paper concerns the development of that device.

Milder, G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Pyrotechnic shock measurement and data analysis requirements

An investigation of laboratory measurement and analysis of pyrotechnic shock is described which was prompted when two separate facilities produced discrepant pyrotechnic-shock data while testing Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 spacecraft hardware. Both testing facilities are thoroughly examined to find a possible cause for the discrepancies, and it is noted that one facility incorporated an FM tape recorder operating at 60 in./sec with a frequency response of 20 kHz while the other incorporated a tape recorder operating at 120 in./sec with a frequency response of 80 kHz. It is found that the discrepancies were a direct result of the inadequate recording frequency response of the tape recorders. Other factors involved in obtaining more accurate data are discussed.

Albers, L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Lightning tests of the orbiter pyrotechnic escape system

An experimental test program was undertaken to demonstrate that the Space Shuttle Orbiter Vehicle pyrotechnics actuated Crew Escape System was not subject to failure resulting from a lightning strike in the vicinity of the cockpit. A test sample representing a full-scale portion of the Orbiter Outer Panel was preheated to 325 F and struck with three different current waveforms to simulate the various effects of lightning: (1) 2 micro sec risetime, to 180 kA pulse to evaluate fast current rise shock effects; (2) a 205 kA, 100 micro sec wide pulse to evaluate full energy shock effects; and (3) a 490 ampere, 370 msec continuing current to evaluate the thermal effects of a lightning strike. These tests show that the Orbiter outer panel pyrotechnics are adequately protected against damage resulting from a lightning strike.

Cohen, R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Pyrotechnic shock: A literature survey of the Linear Shaped Charge (LSC)

Linear shaped charge (LSC) literature for the past 20 years is reviewed. The following topics are discussed: (1) LSC configuration; (2) LSC usage; (3) LSC induced pyroshock; (4) simulated pyrotechnic testing; (5) actual pyrotechnic testing; (6) data collection methods; (7) data analysis techniques; (8) shock reduction methods; and (9) design criteria. Although no new discoveries have been made in LSC research, charge shapes are improved to allow better cutting performance, testing instrumentation is refined, and some new explosives, for use in LSC, are formulated.

Smith, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The Shock and Vibration Bulletin. Part 1: Welcome, Keynote Address, Invited Papers, Nondevelopment Items Workshop and Pyrotechnic Shock Workshop

The proceedings of the 57th Shock and Vibration Symposium are presented. In part 1 is presented the welcoming and the keynote address along with invited papers such as, Dynamic Testing - Seven Years Later. Papers from the Nondevelopment Items workshop such as, Guidelines for Qualifying Nondevelopment Equipment to Shock and Vibration, are presented. And from the Pyrotechnic Shock Workshop the paper entitled, Designing Electronics for Pyrotechnic Shock, is presented.

Source record↗
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.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Effects of variables upon pyrotechnically induced shock response spectra, part 2

Throughout the aerospace industry, large variations of 50 percent (6 dB) or more in shock response spectra (SRS) derived from pyrotechnic separation events continue to be reported from actual spaceflight data and from laboratory tests. As a result of these variations, NASA funded a research program for 1984 through 1986. The purpose of the 1984 through 1986 project was to analyze variations in pyrotechnically induced SRS and to determine if and to what degree manufacturing and assembly variables and tolerances, distance from the shock source, data acquisition instrumentation, and shock energy propagation affect the SRS. Sixty-four free-free boundary plate tests were performed. NASA funded an additional study for 1987 through 1988. This paper is a summary of the additional study. The purpose was to evaluate shock dissipation through various spacecraft structural joint types, to evaluate shock variation for various manufacturing and assembly variables on clamped boundary test plates, and to verify data correction techniques. Five clamped boundary plate tests investigated manufacturing and assembly variables and mass loading effects. Six free-free boundary plate tests investigated shock dissipation across spacecraft joint structures.

Smith, James Lee↗
NASA NTRS1988

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Analysis of the pyrotechnics subsystem

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. This report documents the independent analysis results corresponding to the Orbiter Pyrotechnics hardware. The IOA analysis process utilized available pyrotechnics hardware drawings and schematics for defining hardware assemblies, components, and hardware items. Each level of hardware was evaluated and analyzed for possible failure modes and effects. Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode.

Robinson, W. W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Assessment of the pyrotechnics subsystem

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA effort first completed an analysis of the Pyrotechnics (PYRO) hardware, generating draft failure modes and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The IOA results were then compared to the NASA FMEA/CIL baseline with proposed Post 51-L updates included. A resolution of each discrepancy from the comparison is provided through additional analysis as required. This report documents the results of that comparison for the Orbiter Pyrotechnics hardware.

Robinson, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Development and testing of hermetic, laser-ignited pyrotechnic and explosive components

During the last decade there has been increasing interest in the use of lasers in place of electrical systems to ignite various pyrotechnic and explosive materials. The principal driving force for this work was the requirement for safer energetic components which would be insensitive to electrostatic and electromagnetic radiation. In the last few years this research has accelerated since the basic concepts have proven viable. At the present time it is appropriate to shift the research emphasis in laser initiation from the scientific arena--whether it can be done--to the engineering realm--how it can be put into actual practice in the field. Laser initiation research and development at EG&G Mound was in three principal areas: (1) laser/energetic material interactions; (2) development of novel processing techniques for fabricating hermetic (helium leak rate of less than 1 x 10(exp -8) cu cm/s) laser components; and (3) evaluation and testing of laser-ignited components. Research in these three areas has resulted in the development of high quality, hermetic, laser initiated components. Examples are presented which demonstrate the practicality of fabricating hermetic, laser initiated explosive or pyrotechnic components that can be used in the next generation of ignitors, actuators, and detonators.

Kramer, Daniel P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Update: NASA Pyrotechnically Actuated Systems Program

This technical report discusses the NASA Pyrotechnically Actuated Systems (PAS) Program. It contains the following three sections: program origin, program description, and summary. The first section, program origin, contains an introduction to pyrotechnic systems and devices and discusses some examples. Section two focuses on the PAS program goals, program flow, and PAS programs organization. And section three gives a overall summary of the program.

Schulze, Norman R.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Method for Sizing Booster Charges in Pyrotechnic Mechanisms

Since no generally accepted guidelines exist on sizing booster charges to assure functional margins in pyrotechnically actuated devices, a study was conducted to provide an approach to meet this need. An existing pyrovalve was modified from a single cartridge input to a dual-cartridge input with a booster charge. The objectives of this effort were to demonstrate an energy-based functional margin approach for sizing booster charges, and to determine booster charge energy delivery characteristics in this valve. Functional margin was demonstrated by determining the energy required to actuate the valve through weight drop tests for comparison to the energy delivered by the cartridge and booster charge in firings in the modified valve. The results of this study indicated that this energy-based approach fully met the study objectives, showing its usefulness for this and possibly other pyrotechnic devices.

Bement, Laurence J.↗