ABSTRACT
Frangible joints provide controlled separation of continuous structural connections on aerospace systems such as launch vehicles, rockets, and spacecraft. These devices are critical to mission success as they enable inter-stage separation and payload delivery. Severance of the joint is governed by an explosive-induced impulsive loading that drives dynamic fracture of a structural member. The prediction of frangible joint performance was studied, in terms of shock output and severance, using nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis. Physics-based simulation of fundamental device behavior was validated relative to open-source experimental data. Sensitivities of device separation performance and shock output to joint structural material properties were subsequently explored to better understand these complex devices. Insights towards better performing, lower shock frangible joint designs are discussed.