Quantitatively Decoupling the Impact of Preload and Internal Mechanism Motion on Pyrotechnic Separation Shock

• Published in: International journal of aeronautical and space sciences 2021, 22(5), , pp.1106-1117
• Main Authors: Xiong, Shihui, Li, Yanhua, Ye, Yaokun, Wang, Jingcheng, Mu, Huina, Wen, Yuquan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Engineering; Fluid- and Aerodynamics; Original Paper; 항공우주공학
• ISSN: 2093-274X; 2093-2480
• DOI: 10.1007/s42405-021-00354-2

Pyrotechnic separation devices are widely used in space separation systems. However, these devices produce high-frequency, high-amplitude shock responses during operation, which endangers the safety of space systems. Hence, it is imperative to study the shock mechanism and characteristics during the unlocking process of a pyrotechnic separation device. This paper uses LS-DYNA finite element software and experiments to analyze the separation characteristics of the separation nut and predict its shock response, quantitatively decoupling the impact of preload and internal mechanism motion on separation shock. The results indicate that the shock response caused by the impact on the inner sleeve is the primary contributor to the total shock response of the separation nut (approximately 55% of the total response). The shock response caused by the release of the strain energy is very small, accounting for less than 5% of the total shock response. Adjusting the preload force without changing the charge and structure of the separation device did not have a clear impact on reducing the shock. This study shows that the shock of the separation device can be decreased by reducing the impact on the inner sleeve.