8. Specificity of developing pyrobolts with low impact and vibration impulse responses

Annotation: One of the systems in the integrated launch vehicle responsible for prelaunch processing and launch is a ground thermal conditioning system, which supplies the low-pressure air into the launch vehicle’s “dry” compartments. Thermal conditioning system is mated with the launch vehicle, using the mating interfaces, proper functioning of which enhances reliability of the ground support equipment, the launch vehicle and the entire space launch system. The article describes key requirements to the interfaces of the thermal conditioning system and the drawbacks of the existing designs. The article proposes a new design concept of the interface that connects the pipeline of the ground thermal conditioning system to the orifice of the launch vehicle using the corrugated rubber hose composed of three basic parts, attached with the help of a metal lock/release assembly. The proposed solution provides reliable leaktightness, ease of operation, providing multiple connections to the launch vehicle, including at various angles, and automatic disconnection by rocket motion or manual removal in case of launch abort. Using rubber as a high-elasticity structural material to manufacture the hoses, enabled minimization of efforts required to disconnect the interface from the launch vehicle. In its high-elasticity state, rubber can absorb and dissipate mechanical energy within a wide range of temperatures, which prevents transmission of engine vibrations to the ground thermal conditioning system. The article presents key properties of rubber used as a structural material and its peculiarities to be considered during design of similar products. Unlike metal showing two types of deformation (elastic and plastic), rubber can exhibit three types of deformation (elastic, superelastic and plastic). In the process of interface design, we took into account two types of deformations (elastic and superelastic ones). Experimental studies of the interface showed its full compliance with technical specification.