Cartridge output testing - Methods to overcome closed-bomb shortcomingsAlthough the closed-bomb test has achieved virtually universal acceptance for measuring the output performance of pyrotechnic cartridges, there are serious shortcomings in its ability to quantify the performance of cartridges used as energy sources for pyrotechnic-activated mechanical devices. This paper presents several examples of cartridges (including the NASA Standard Initiator NSI) that successfully met closed-bomb performance requirements, but resulted in functional failures in mechanisms. To resolve these failures, test methods were developed to demonstrate a functional margin, based on comparing energy required to accomplish the function to energy deliverable by the cartridge.
Document ID
19920050369
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bement, Laurence J. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Schimmel, Morry L. (Schimmel Co. Saint Louis, MO, United States)