Refinement of a Low-Shock Separation System.

摘要

This paper discusses the design of Marman Clamp-band Separation Systems, and several lessons learned by SNC over 12 years and multiple programs. Historically, there have been enough failures associated with Marman band designs that practical design guidance is publicly available. Utilizing a shock-dissipating release device has allowed us to sidestep many of the typical challenges associated with Marman systems and helped create a highly robust design baseline that differs significantly from the traditional system. An overview of the purpose, components, and function of a clamp-band system will be presented. Common failure modes of this type of system will be discussed, and how these can be addressed. Early examples of successful SNC systems will be reviewed (NANOSAT, Orbital Express). Much of our early work on Clamp band systems and release devices was performed collaboratively with SAAB-Ericsson (now RUAG). The heritage design was refined recently to meet a challenging set of requirements for the EELV Secondary Payload Adaptor (ESPA Grande). By retaining the proven features of the design, we built an optimized sub-24 inch (61 cm) separation system with high stiffness, low-release shock, and a compact envelope.