Electromechanical propellant control system actuatorNew control mechanism technologies are currently being sought to provide alternatives to hydraulic actuation systems. The Propulsion Laboratory at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is involved in the development of electromechanical actuators (EMA's) for this purpose. Through this effort, an in-house designed electromechanical propellant valve actuator has been assembled and is presently being evaluated. This evaluation will allow performance comparisons between EMA and hydraulics systems. The in-house design consists of the following hardware: a three-phase brushless motor, a harmonic drive, and an output spline which will mate with current Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) propellant control valves. A resolver and associated electronics supply position feedback for the EMA. System control is provided by a solid-state electronic controller and power supply. Frequency response testing has been performed with further testing planned as hardware and test facilities become available.
Document ID
19900054929
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Myers, W. Neill (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Weir, Rae Ann (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)