Space craft soft landing system Patent
Spacecraft shock absorbing system for soft landings
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Spacecraft shock absorbing system for soft landings
Parachute decelerator towline energy absorber shock attenuation characteristics, discussing drop test results
Shock absorbing articulated multiple couch assembly
Parachute decelerator towline energy absorber shock attenuation characteristics, discussing drop test results
Formulation of polymers has been devised that, when vibrated, adhesive becomes more fluid (thixotropic) to better absorb shock and, when warmed, will actually hold its shape better (thermosetting) rather than deform.
It was concluded that the Surveyor 3 spacecraft moved, probably as a result of a sudden failure of the leg 3 shock absorber, between May 1967 and November 1969. The time at which the movement occurred can be estimated only from comparison of the shielded and unshielded portions of footpad 3 and a knowledge of the mechanism and rate of the process that tans the painted surface.
Relatively simple inexpensive device uses reeled steel cable, is controlled by automotive-type shock absorber, and allows safe descent from burning building. Device is cheap to manufacture and assemble and requires neither skill, special knowledge, or athletic ability to operate. It is reliable and fireproof and can be deployed instantly.
Dynamic synthesis of the coupling parameters permits the building of coaxially aligned connected machines with very small disturbing forces. Considered is the case of two machines connected by a flexible coupling; one machine is installed on shock absorbers with four degrees of freedom. A movement leveling synthesis considers the coaxial nonalignment parameters for the shaft arrangement and determines the optimum coupling rigidity at which the vibration amplitude is at a minimum.
A method which uses a mathematical accelerometer is proposed for determining the 3rd derivative of the displacement in shock absorbers.
The Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO), commissioned in May 1975, is the result of the multi-year NASA program of infrared observations from high-flying aircraft. The KAO is a highly modified Lockheed C-141 jet transport, equipped with a 91-cm bent-Cassegrain telescope, as an international facility for research in infrared astronomy. To minimize the effects of aircraft vibration, the telescope is mounted on four pneumatic shock absorbers, and the entire assembly is balanced on the side of a spherical compressed-air bearing, containing a 0.018 mm-thick air film under a pressure of 19 atmospheres. The use of the KAO is not limited to infrared research, its total observable wavelength band extending from the near UV (3000 A) to the millimeter region. Design and technical characteristics of the telescope are discussed, including the image stabilization and target acquisition systems, as well as observational results obtained during the first year of the KAO operation.
All-mechanical shock-absorber concept has several advantages over hydraulic devices. Snubbing link automatically adjusts length under light loads, locks at any position when onslaught exceeds design limits for which it is set, and will not leak oil or require periodic servicing. Concept can be incorporated as safety device on material handling systems or as energy absorption device or governor for machines or equipment.
Standard hydraulic shock absorber modified to form coulomb (linear friction) damper. Device damps very small velocities and is well suited for use with large masses mounted on soft springs. Damping force is easily adjusted for different loads. Dampers are more reliable than fluid dampers and also more economical to build and to maintain.
Locomotive mechanical characteristics, track perturbations, and operational characteristics involving experimentally determined suspension system parameters are analyzed. Suspension bearings, shock absorbers, pads, and two- and three- axle trucks are comparatively evaluated with respect to locomotive design.
Transient Response Analysis Program, TRAP aids in analysis of frequency response of force-transmission and shock-damping devices. Devices analyzed with TRAP include hydraulic actuators, automotive shock absorbers and electromechanical actuators.
Equal damping provided on forward and reverse strokes. Improved damper has springs and wedge rings symmetrically placed on both ends of piston wedge, so friction force same in both directions of travel. Unlike conventional automotive shock absorbers, they resemble on outside, both versions require no viscous liquid and operate over wide temperature range.
Spring-loaded drogue cones tolerate and correct misalinement. Attachment Mechanism equipped with spring-loaded latches, shock-absorbing springs, and self-alining conical mating surfaces. Docking system includes three attachment mechanisms plus television camera that views set of crosshairs for alinement of vehicle and payload. Originally developed for Space Shuttle, mechanism adapted for robot manipulator arms, trailer hitches, and docking devices for in-flight refueling of airplanes.
Data are given relative to tests performed on locomotive components. Dynamic characteristics related to safety are described. Suspension systems, shock absorbers, data processing, bearings, and damping are discussed.
Fluid-dynamic and capillary forces can be used to form nearly perfect, very small spherical shells when a liquid that can solidify is passed through an annular die to form an annular jet. Gravity and certain properties of even the most ideal materials, however, can cause slight asymmetries. The primary objective of the present work is the control of this shell formation process in earth laboratories rather than space microgravity, through the development of facilities and methods that minimize the deleterious effects of gravity, aerodynamic drag, and uncontrolled cooling. The spherical shells thus produced can be used in insulation, recyclable filter materials, fire retardants, explosives, heat transport slurries, shock-absorbing armor, and solid rocket motors.