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Design and Verification of Space Station EVA-Operated Truss Attachment SystemThis paper describes the design and verification of a system used to attach two segments of the International Space Station (ISS). This system was first used in space to mate the P6 and Z1 trusses together in December 2000, through a combination of robotic and extravehicular tasks. Features that provided capture, coarse alignment, and fine alignment during the berthing process are described. Attachment of this high value hardware was critical to the ISS's sequential assembly, necessitating the inclusion of backup design and operational features. Astronauts checked for the proper performance of the alignment and bolting features during on-orbit operations. During berthing, the system accommodates truss-to-truss relative displacements that are caused by manufacturing tolerances and on-orbit thermal gradients. After bolt installation, the truss interface becomes statically determinate with respect to in-plane shear loads and isolates attach bolts from bending moments. The approach used to estimate relative displacements and the means of accommodating them is explained. Confidence in system performance was achieved through a cost-effective collection of tests and analyses, including thermal, structural, vibration, misalignment, contact dynamics, underwater simulation, and full-scale functional testing. Design considerations that have potential application to other mechanisms include accommodating variations of friction coefficients in the on-orbit joints, wrench torque tolerances, joint preload, moving element clearances at temperature extremes, and bolt-nut torque reaction.
Document ID
20010071183
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Katell, Gabriel
(Boeing Co. Canoga Park, CA United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 2001
Publication Information
Publication: 35th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-20425
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS15-10000
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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