Coaxial cable failure in a spacecraft mechanism

摘要

After completing a life test, the Biaxial Assembly's (BA) coaxial cables failed their post-life RF performance testing Further investigation into the cause of these failures revealed that the coaxial cables developed extensive damage to their outer shields, which resulted in unacceptable RF performance. This damage was caused by a phenomenon known as cold welding", a type of adhesion between two similar material fretting surfaces that restricted the internal flexing of the cable. This paper will summarize the testing environment to which the BA was exposed and describe the results of our investigation into the failures. Also, methods of preventing cold welding will be described, as well as lessons learned for coaxial cable construction and life testing of spacecraft mechanisms.