A conceptual approach to ensure the reliability of separation devices for promising launch vehicles without using pyrotechnics

Abstract

The article analyzes the main options for design solutions of separation devices of promising launch vehicles and payloads without using pyrotechnic elements, such as the “Clamp Band” type, “ball” and “petal” types, as well as the bandage-based separation device. Parametric redundancy has been performed to achieve the required level of the reliability, providing the necessary coefficient of parametric margin. Engineering Critical Assessment of structural elements of the proposed separation devices by using the scorecard method is analyzed and considered. The reliability requirements are considered, which must be confirmed during complex experimental processing, including laboratory debugging, control developing, control sampling, control finishing and manufacturing tests of individual large-sized elements and subsystems included in the proposed separation devices, as well as recommendations for ensuring the reliability of their operation at the design development stage.