Qualification Campaign of New Pin Puller and HDRM Based on Shape Memory Alloy Technology

摘要

We present in this work new Pin Puller and HDRA, based on a new SMA technology called SMARQ, for supporting and release deployment systems. The proposed mechanisms are triggered by a SMA actuator, substituting the pyrotechnic actuators. The use of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) provides a number of advantages, such as the minimization of shock; reduction of safety measurements; the possibility to perform activation tests repeatedly; and weight reduction (one of the most critical requirements in space applications). The temperature restriction is a significant limitation of the working environment of devices based on SMA technology. The new mechanisms can work in a wider range of temperatures, such as from -90°C to +125°C under vacuum conditions. Engineering Models of the 100-N-Pin Puller and REACTs have been built and tested. Moreover, Qualification Models of the 100-N-device are currently under development and test. Finally, Qualification Models of the 500-N-device have been built as well as tested.