ABSTRACT
Spacecraft and instruments often need hold-down release mechanisms (HDRMs) to add constraints for launch survival. These constraints are subsequently released to achieve the operational configuration once on-orbit. A byproduct of mechanism activation is an induced shock environment that may be potentially damaging to sensitive systems and components. Low-shock, non-explosive actuators (NEA) may be utilized to mitigate or relieve this concern. But this still relies on knowledge of the induced shock environment, which was unknown for a relatively new, micro release nut actuator of particular interest. Therefore, a test series was specifically designed to characterize the shock environment produced by activation of this very small, shape memory alloy (SMA) based HDRM. Probing a variety of configurational parameters identified notable observations relating to release performance and emitted shock levels. Analysis of the experimental measurements provided insights into the underlying origin of these effects and informed device usage best practices.
KEYWORDS: HOLD-DOWN RELEASE MECHANISM, RELEASE SHOCK, NON- EXPLOSIVE ACTUATOR, SEPARATION PERFORMANCE, IMPACT SHOCK ATTENUATION