DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW, SHOCKLESS RELEASE MECHANISM FOR SPACECRAFT APPLICATIONS

摘要

An innovative new mechanism designed to be a "drop-in" replacement for existing pyrotechnic separation nuts has recently completed qualification testing and solves both the pyro-shock and strain-energy shock problems while still maintaining the fast, simultaneous release characteristics inherent in pyro-release devices. The Fast-Acting, Low-Shock Separation Nut (FASSN) uses no pyrotechnics and converts swain energy built up in the release shaft into harmless rotational energy during release. The result is a reduction in source shock to surrounding structure of more than 2 orders of magnitude when compared to traditional pyrotechnic release devices under similar test conditions.