The integrated rocket spin-up launch mechanism
Integrated rocket spin-up launch mechanism with pyrotechnic and mechanical events initiated by single electric signal
SEARCH · Search NASA
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.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Integrated rocket spin-up launch mechanism with pyrotechnic and mechanical events initiated by single electric signal
This paper reports results of an investigation into developing a single failure tolerant pyrotechnic linear separation system which features completely redundant explosive trains suitable for human spaceflight. It is a follow up to “Flat-H Redundant Frangible Joint Design Evolution 2017” and “Flat-H Redundant Frangible Joint Evolution”. The paper chronicles the history of the redundant frangible joint development program including testing, analysis, and design improvements from 2014 to the present culminating in a successful proof-of-concept prototype. The paper describes work done to address debris control and containment of combustion products. A performance optimization strategy is presented along with optimization results. Additionally a novel containment manifold design is presented with test results.
Thermal batteries, also known as molten-salt batteries, are single-use reserve power systems activated by pyrotechnic heat generation, which transitions the solid electrolyte into a molten state. The simulation of these batteries relies on multiphysics modeling to evaluate performance and behavior under various conditions. This paper presents advancements in scalable preconditioning strategies for the Thermally Activated Battery Simulator (TABS) tool, enabling efficient solutions to the coupled electrochemical systems that dominate computational costs in thermal battery simulations. We propose a hierarchical block Gauss-Seidel preconditioner implemented through the Teko package in Trilinos, which effectively addresses the challenges posed by tightly coupled physics, including charge transport, porous flow, and species diffusion. The preconditioner leverages scalable subblock solvers, including smoothed aggregation algebraic multigrid (SA-AMG) methods and domain-decomposition techniques, to achieve robust convergence and parallel scalability. Strong and weak scaling studies demonstrate the solver’s ability to handle problem sizes up to 51.3 million degrees of freedom on 2048 processors, achieving near sub-second setup and solve times for the end-to-end electrochemical solve. These advancements significantly improve the computational efficiency and turnaround time of thermal battery simulations, paving the way for higher-resolution models and enabling the transition from 2D axisymmetric to full 3D simulations.
The dynamic environment of the Ranger spacecraft (I through IX)during the launch portion of flight is defined in this Report. Flight data from each of nine spacecraft launches have been reviewed and are included. The environments receiving emphasis herein include liftoff acoustics, liftoff and transonic vibration, and the transient vibrations of the various pyrotechnic and staging events in the launch sequence. The systems for data acquisition and analysis are briefly described. In addition, post-flight comparison of flight data and ground test specification levels is made, and the dynamic test program is briefly discussed.
Bipolar Ni-Cd cells for ruby lasers and power sources to yield high energy pulses for firing pyrotechnic devices
High speed blowdown takes advantage of discretely maintained differential pressures to vent a test chamber from high to ambient pressure with minimum time lag. This technique is advantageous where the use of pyrotechnics is undesirable.
Combined attenuator and latch stops and latches in place a given mass which is to be moved a discrete distance to effect a desired condition. This device is used in a retraction actuator driven by a pyrotechnic thruster, and can be tailored to meet specific design requirements.
Explosive-train initiated pressure cartridge transmits a shock wave igniting a main charge of explosive through a solid bulkhead without destroying or damaging the seal or the bulkhead. The main charge could be an explosive, a pyrotechnic, or a propellant.
Sounding rocket disintegration studies to avoid falling mass hazards, noting design of pyrotechnic core in sandwich construction
Bipolar Ni-Cd cells for ruby lasers and power sources to yield high energy pulses for firing pyrotechnic devices
The objective of this test program was to determine the behavior of gas-saturated water and nitrogen tetroxide under various flow and pressure drop conditions. A second part of the test program is to be conducted at a later time to determine the rate of gas diffusion into propellants. The test program was conducted by the Fluid Systems Test Section of the Thermochemical Test Branch for the Auxiliary Propulsion and Pyrotechnics Branch, Propulsion and Power Division. Testing was accomplished at the Fluid Systems Test Facility during the period from February 2, 1966, to May 3, 1966.
Methods of analysis of solid rocket motor ignition and Igniter performance are given. Ignition and ignition Internal ballistic performance are treated beginning with the combustion of the igniter pyrotechnic after the Initiator has functioned. The ignition phenomenon is followed through the (a) igniter ballistic performance, (b) pre-ignition motor port volume pressurization and convective heat transfer (c) motor propellant grain ignition, and (d) subsequent motor ballistics to equilibrium motor operating pressure.
Research and development program improves sodium chlorate candle formulation, production method, and igniter design. Cobalt is used as the fuel, dry processing methods are used to lower the water content, and a device based on pyrotechnic heater concepts is used as the igniter.
Pyrotechnically operated S-band helical antenna is developed in which helix is deployed subsequent to antenna placement. Antenna is small, lightweight, and novel in that deployable helix is used in place of fixed dish or horn. It can be designed to cover L- and X-band frequencies.
Computer program analyzes the motion of two rigid bodies in space, separating as a result of any one, or a combination of, the following mechanisms - springs with ball ends, springs with one end guided, pyrotechnics, rockets, cold-gas jets, air pistons, and Coulomb drag.
Heat sterilizable, remotely activated, electric battery and pyrotechnic initiator
Trajectory correction propulsion subsystem /TCPS/, attitude propulsion subsystem /APS/ and pyrotechnic subsystem of thermoelectric outer planet spacecraft /TOPS/
Aerobee 350 recovery system comprising paraloon and extended skirt parachute deceleration devices and incorporating electrical control, pyrotechnic, and pneumatic subsystems - tests