14. Experimental studies of the performance of pyrotechnic devices installed on the launch vehicle separation systems

Annotation: Pyrotechnic devices are important elements in rocket and space technology, which to a large degree determine the flight success of the launch vehicles, since they enable instantaneous operations to separate spent stages, change configurations, ensure safety, etc. Pyrotechnic devices are subject to strict requirements for reliability, safety, security and efficiency. The article presents an experimental study of the performance of a linear shaped charge of a launch vehicle stage separation system. This type of linear shaped charge is one of the most common types of linear shaped charge, which are used in launch vehicle separation systems being developed in Ukraine. One of the main characteristics of the linear shaped charge, which determines the efficiency and reliability of the separation process, is the depth of penetration of the cumulative jet into the obstacle. The work studied the effect of a cumulative jet of a linear shaped charge with a semi-cylindrical cumulative part. An experimental confirmation of the performance of this type of linear shaped charge is presented, using the example of a linear shaped charge with a diameter of 5 mm, acting on an obstacle made of aluminum alloy grade 2219. The research methodology, experimental scenario, in particular, a description of the research object and a scheme for measuring test results are presented. Depth of cumulative jet penetration into the obstacle was measured in 60 points along the cut line of the samples under study. A statistical analysis of the experimental results was carried out, in particular, the average penetration depth was determined. An improved formula is proposed for the practical calculation of the penetration depth of a cumulative jet for a linear shaped charge with a semi-cylindrical cumulative part, using an additional correction factor. It is noted that the depth of penetration of a cumulative jet into an obstacle is significantly influenced by technological aspects. Taking into account this influence, the lower limit of the one-sided tolerance interval was determined. Recommendations are provided to improve future experimental procedures. Based on the obtained results, it was established that the linear shaped charges under study are operational and meet the requirements for linear shaped charges, installed on launch vehicle separation systems.