Functional verification and performance tests of an ultra-low shock non-explosive actuator for hold-down and release mechanisms for space applications

Abstract

This paper addresses the functional verification and performance assessment of an ultra-low shock non-explosive actuator appropriate to space applications of hold-down and release mechanisms. To demonstrate that the design implementation and manufacturing methods have resulted in an engineering model conforming to the set of functional, performance and environmental requirements specified, a space qualification test campaign is typically required. To ensure the readiness of the engineering model and the adequacy of the mechanical and electrical ground support equipment required for the entire qualification test campaign, a set of functional verification procedures and performance characterization tests were systematized and undertaken before the mechanism qualification. A preload monitoring system was developed and calibrated, and the performance of the mechanism was evaluated through the estimation of the release time and the measurement of the self-generated shock. The main results and conclusions taken from these tests are presented and discussed here.

Keywords

Non-explosive actuator hold-down and release mechanism qualification testing ultra-low shock

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

http://www.esa.int/TEC/mechanisms/SEM9T0DR5GG_0.html (accessed 25 February 2013).

Peffer AC, Denoyer KK, Fosness ER, et al. Development and transition of low-shock spacecraft release devices. In: Proceedings of IEEE aerospace conference, Big Sky, MT, United States, 18–25 March 2000, pp. 277–284.

Peffer AC, Fosness ER, Carpenter BF, et al. On-orbit experiments and applications of shape memory alloy mechanisms. In: Smart structures and materials 2000, Proceedings of SPIE, 2000, vol. 3991, pp. 187–194.

Muller J and Andreau C. High load shock release unit (30 kN). In: 13th European space mechanisms and tribology symposium (ESMATS), Vienna, Austria, 23–25 September 2009 (ESA SP-670).

http://www.oh1sa.net/data/satellite/cubesat/P-POD-mk2/qwknut3k.pdf (accessed 25 February 2013).

Vazquez J and Bueno JI. Non explosive low shock reusable 20 kN hold-down release actuator. In: 9th European space mechanisms and tribology symposium, Liége, Belgium, 19–21 September, 2001, pp. 131–135 (ESA SP-480).

http://www.arquimea.com/actuators.html (accessed 25 February 2013).

ECSS-E-10-03A: Testing. Noordwijk, Netherlands: European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS), ESA Publications Division, 2002.

ECSS-E-ST-33-01C: Mechanisms. Noordwijk, Netherlands: European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS), ESA Publications Division, 2009.

10.

ECSS-Q-ST-70C: Materials, mechanical parts and processes. Noordwijk, Netherlands: European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS), ESA Publications Division, 2009.

11.

ESA, Non explosive actuator for hold down and release mechanisms (NEXA for HDRM), TEC-MMM/2007/279 (iss.1, rev.0). Noordwijk, Netherlands: ESTEC, European Space Agency, 2007.

12.

Bueno RJ and Vasquez JM. Remote activation mechanism for equipment hold-down and release. Patent EP1191271 B1, Sener Ingenieria e Industria SA, 15 September 2004.

13.

J-Y

Dalton

Kisch

. Resettable and redundant NEA-initiated hold-down and release mechanism for a flight termination system, Patent US6679177 B1, Camarillo, CA: G&H Technology, Inc, 20 January 2004.

14.

http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=37710 (accessed 25 February 2013).

15.

Tuma

Babiuch

Koci

. Calculation of a shock response spectra. Acta Montanistica Slovaca 2011; 16(1): 66–73.

16.

Smallwood

. An improved recursive formula for calculating shock response spectra. Shock Vib Bull 1980; 51: 211–217.

17.

ESA. ESA mechanical shock design and verification handbook, Noordwijk, Netherlands: ESA-ESTEC, 2012.