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At least 19 records

International Space Station Powered Bolt Nut Anomaly and Failure Analysis Summary

A key mechanism used in the on-orbit assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) pressurized elements is the Common Berthing Mechanism. The mechanism that effects the structural connection of the Common Berthing Mechanism halves is the Powered Bolt Assembly. There are sixteen Powered Bolt Assemblies per Common Berthing Mechanism. The Common Berthing Mechanism has a bolt which engages a self aligning Powered Bolt Nut (PBN) on the mating interface (Figure 1). The Powered Bolt Assemblies are preloaded to approximately 84.5 kN (19000 lb) prior to pressurization of the CBM. The PBNs mentioned below, manufactured in 2009, will be used on ISS future missions. An on orbit functional failure of this hardware would be unacceptable and in some instances catastrophic due to the failure of modules to mate and seal the atmosphere, risking loss of crew and ISS functions. The manufacturing processes that create the PBNs need to be strictly controlled. Functional (torque vs. tension) acceptance test failures will be the result of processes not being strictly followed. Without the proper knowledge of thread tolerances, fabrication techniques, and dry film lubricant application processes, PBNs will be, and have been manufactured improperly. The knowledge gained from acceptance test failures and the resolution of those failures, thread fabrication techniques and thread dry film lubrication processes can be applied to many aerospace mechanisms to enhance their performance. Test data and manufactured PBN thread geometry will be discussed for both failed and successfully accepted PBNs.

Sievers, Daniel E.↗

International Space Station Powered Bolt Nut Anomaly and Failure Analysis Summary

A key mechanism used in the on-orbit assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) pressurized elements is the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM). The mechanism that effects the structural connection of the CBM halves is the Powered Bolt Assembly. There are sixteen Powered Bolt Assemblies per CBM. The CBM has a bolt which engages a self aligning Powered Bolt Nut (PBN) on the mating interface; see Figure 1. The Powered Bolt Assemblies are preloaded to approximately 19 kilo pounds (KIPs) prior to pressurization of the CBM. The PBNs mentioned below, manufactured in 2009, will be used on ISS future missions. An on orbit functional failure of this hardware would be unacceptable and in some instances catastrophic due to the failure of modules to mate and seal the atmosphere, risking loss of crew and ISS functions. The manufacturing processes which create the PBNs need to be strictly controlled. Functional (torque vs. tension) acceptance test failures will be the result of processes not being strictly followed. Without the proper knowledge of thread tolerances, fabrication techniques, and dry film lubricant application processes, PBNs will be, and have been manufactured improperly. The knowledge gained from acceptance test failures and the resolution of those failures, thread fabrication techniques and thread dry film lubrication processes can be applied to many aerospace mechanisms to enhance their performance. Test data and manufactured PBN thread geometry will be discussed for both failed and successfully accepted PBNs.

Sievers, Daniel E.↗

Locking Nut and Bolt

Threaded fastener locks parts securely together despite together large loosening torques, even under conditions of high temperature and vibration. Positive locking action is suitable for use where conventional fasteners tend to work loose--for example, on high-speed rotating machinery. Bolt, nut and key are joined together so key occupies alined slots in bolt and nut and prevents nut from rotating off bolt.

Bishop, R.↗

Torque vs. induced load of A-286, and MP35N nuts and bolts with cadmium, dry film, and cetyl alcohol lubricants

Data for specific joint design, utilizing various combinations of bolt, nut and lubricants in typical structure of the shuttle booster rocket is obtained. Requirements of the structure performance criteria were to withstand temperatures of 260 C (500 F) and to provide a nut lubricant which would be compatible with sealants used in the joint. Cadmium plating and dry film lubricant meeting the requirements of MIL-L-8937 were the lubricants specified. In a follow up effort, cadmium plating and cetyl alcohol were further specified The materials for the bolt and nut combinations were MP35N and A-286. These materials demand a lubricant to be used to prevent galling of the thread when tightened and also to help reduce the scatter of clamping load in application.

Crispell, C.↗

Impact resistance of spar-shell composite fan blades

Composite spar-shell fan blades for a 1.83 meter (6 feet) diameter fan stage were fabricated and tested in a whirling arm facility to evaluate foreign object damage (FOD) resistance. The blades were made by adhesively bonding boron-epoxy shells on titanium spars and then adhesively bonding an Inconel 625 sheath on the leading edge. The rotating blades were individually tested at a tip speed of 800 feet per second. Impacting media used were gravel, rivets, bolt, nut, ice balls, simulated birds, and a real bird. Incidence angles were typical of those which might be experienced by STOL aircraft. The tests showed that blades of the design tested in this program have satisfactory impact resistance to small objects such as gravel, rivets, nuts, bolts, and two inch diameter ice balls. The blades suffered nominal damage when impacted with one-pound birds (9 to 10 ounce slice size). However, the shell was removed from the spar for a larger slice size.

Graff, J.↗

Bolt and nut evaluator

A device for testing fasteners such as nuts and bolts is described which consists of a fixed base plate having a number of threaded and unthreaded holes of varying size for receiving the fasteners to be tested, a torque marking paper taped on top the fixed base plate for marking torque-angle indicia, a torque wrench for applying torque to the fasteners being tested, and an indicator for showing the torque applied to the fastener. These elements provide a low cost, nondestructive device for verifying the strength of bolts and nuts.

Kerley, James J.↗

Bolt installation tool for tightening large nuts and bolts

Large bolts and nuts are accurately tightened to structures without damaging torque stresses. There are two models of bolt installation tool. One is rigidly mounted and one is hand held. Each model includes torque-multiplier unit.

Mcdougal, A. R.↗

An Application of Retroduction to Analyzing and Testing the Backing off of Nuts and Bolts During Dynamic Loading

The method of retroduction, adapted from the doctoral thesis of Dr. A. Croce, relies on a process of dialectic questioning that begins with the information sought, proceeds to Given items (either in the form of dimensions or limits of research). and to Known mathematical forms of analysis in design or to principles of study in research. Finally, analysis and synthesis are used to abstract the dielectic questions and to arrive at the information desired. This method is used to solve the engineering design problem of a beam and to determine why bolts and nuts vibrate apart. Both mathematical analysis and dialectic logical analysis are utilized. Results are provided of tests conducted to check the retroductive study of why and how nuts back off.

Kerley, James J.↗

A One-Hand Nut and Bolt Assembly Tool

Special wrench speeds nut and bolt assembly when insufficient room to hold nut behind bolthole with standard tool. C-clamp shaped box-andsocket-wrench assembly holds nut on blind side in alinement to receive bolt from open side.

Spencer, J. M.↗

Lubricating Holes for Corroded Nuts and Bolts

Corroded fasteners taken apart more easily. Lubricating holes bored to thread from three of flats. Holes facilitate application of penetrating oil to help loosen nut when rusted onto bolt. Holes make it possible to apply lubricants and rust removers directly to more of thread than otherwise reachable.

Penn, B. G.↗

Testing and evaluation of Vespel up to 450 deg F when used in nuts and bolts as a self-locking element

The object of this investigation was to evaluate Vespel for potential application on the Solid Rocket Booster to replace all-metal deformed self-locking nuts and anchor nuts and be used as self-locking elements for bolts and screws. The Vespel self-locking elements were tested for prevailing torque retention at room temperature, after heating to 450 F and exposure for 3 hr, breakaway torque at 450 F and for vibration at a level consistent with the maximum expected on the SRB at lift-off and reentry. The investigation revealed Vespel has properties that can provide a self-locking capability for threaded fasteners up to 450 F and it can be used in nuts and anchor nuts for installation on the SRB. Vespel elements in bolts did not meet all our SRB requirements for reuse, however, we have defined a design for Vespel elements in nuts/anchor nuts that fully meets all requirements. It is recommended that No. 1, 1/4 in. and 5/16 in. nuts/anchor nuts be procured for use on the SRB. This system will eliminate the galling problems now encountered and achieve a much higher reuse life than the present deformed nut design.

Wood, C. M.↗

Nuts and Bolts - Techniques for Genesis Sample Curation

The Genesis curation staff at NASA Johnson Space Center provides samples and data for analysis to the scientific community, following allocation approval by the Genesis Oversight Committee, a sub-committee of CAPTEM (Curation Analysis Planning Team for Extraterrestrial Materials). We are often asked by investigators within the scientific community how we choose samples to best fit the requirements of the request. Here we will demonstrate our techniques for characterizing samples and satisfying allocation requests. Even with a systematic approach, every allocation is unique. We are also providing updated status of the cataloging and characterization of solar wind collectors as of January 2011. The collection consists of 3721 inventoried samples consisting of a single fragment, or multiple fragments containerized or pressed between post-it notes, jars or vials of various sizes.

Burkett, Patti J.↗

Comparison of release torques of tightened bolts in vacuum and air

Various combinations of stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum bolt-nut couples are tightened to 60 lb-ft in partial vacuum and in air. Results are given for tests with and without two lubricants /a fluorosilicone and a sodium silicate bonded dry-film/.

Demorest, K. E.↗

Fixture for environmental exposure of structural materials under compression load

A device for stressing a deformable material specimen consists of top plate and a bottom plate sandwiching a guide cylinder. The specimen is positioned on the bottom plate and attached to a load piston. Force is applied through the top plate into the guide cylinder. Once the specimen is loaded, the stress is maintained by tightening tie bolt nuts.

Clark, R. K.↗

Acoustic Sorter for Small Parts

Sorting system uses acoustic reasonance chamber, detects, and rejects anomalous parts on automated assembly line. System particularly suited to small nuts, bolts, pins, and assemblies which previously required expensive three dimensional television-monitoring systems to prevent misfeeds.

Wang, T. G.↗

The design and development of a spacecraft appendage tie down mechanism

The design and evolution is described of a spacecraft Appendage Tie Down Mechanism (ATDM). Particular emphasis is paid to the mechanical aspects of using dry lubricants to increase the efficiency of acme threads and worm gearing. The ATDM consists of five major components. These are a dc torque motor, a worm gear speed reducer, the tension bolt (or T-bolt), nut capture and centering jaws and the capture nut. In addition, there are several minor components such as limit switch assemblies and an antibackdrive mechanism which couples the drive motor to the worm shaft. A development model of the ATDM in various configurations was under test for some time. In its latest version, it has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing, vibration testing, and extended life testing.

Nygren, W. D.↗