Resonance Beam Amplifies Shock Pulse for Pyrotechnic Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for simulating high-intensity pyrotechnic shock in spacecraft components during launch are imprecise, difficult to control, and costly, often resulting in over-testing or under-testing, and pose safety hazards due to the use of explosive materials.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electrical power amplifier, an electrodynamic shaker, and a resonance beam that amplifies a transient signal waveform to generate a shock pulse with a desired shock response spectrum, allowing precise control and repetition of the shock simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If live ordnance is used to generate shock pulses for qualification testing, then the desired shock response spectrum can be achieved, but the testing becomes difficult to control and time-consuming due to trial-and-error requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/explosive system (live ordnance) with an electrodynamic system (shaker mounted to resonance beam). The shaker uses electrical signals to generate controlled shock pulses, eliminating the need for trial-and-error with explosives while maintaining the ability to achieve the desired shock response spectrum through electronic control and resonance amplification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a resonance beam with adjustable natural frequency that can be tuned to amplify shock pulses at specific frequencies. By adjusting the beam's properties (mass, stiffness, damping) and the shaker's driving frequency, the system dynamically adapts to produce the desired shock response spectrum with high precision and repeatability.
2Force
If live ordnance is used for shock simulation, then high-intensity shock pulses can be generated, but safety hazards and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hazardous explosive materials with an electrodynamic shaker system that generates equivalent or higher shock intensities through controlled mechanical vibration. The shaker uses electromagnetic forces to drive the resonance beam, producing high-g shock pulses without the safety hazards, storage requirements, or environmental concerns associated with live ordnance.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonance beam acts as an intermediary that amplifies the shock pulses generated by the shaker. This intermediate structure allows the system to achieve high shock intensities through resonance amplification rather than direct explosive force, eliminating the need for hazardous materials while maintaining the required test severity.
3Force
If mechanical impact is used to generate shock pulses, then shock simulation can be achieved, but mechanical ringing occurs resulting in inaccurate simulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a resonance beam with controlled dynamic properties to amplify shock pulses at specific resonant frequencies. By tuning the beam's natural frequency to match the desired shock spectrum characteristics and using feedback control, the system produces accurate shock simulations without the uncontrolled mechanical ringing that occurs with direct impact methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control where the actual shock response is measured and used to adjust the shaker's driving signal in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that the generated shock pulses accurately match the desired shock response spectrum, eliminating the inaccuracies caused by uncontrolled mechanical ringing in impact-based systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system accurately simulates high-intensity pyrotechnic shock with precise control and repeatability, reducing the need for expensive and hazardous explosive materials while minimizing damage to test hardware.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical power amplifier configured to amplify a transient signal waveform
Implementation Method 2
an electrodynamic shaker configured to generate a shock pulse in response to the amplified signal waveform
Implementation Method 3
a resonance beam mounted to the shaker and configured to magnify the shock pulse
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A system for simulating a pyrotechnic shock may include an electrical power amplifier, a shaker, and a resonance beam. The electrical power amplifier may be configured to amplify a transient signal waveform representing a desired shock response spectrum (SRS). The shaker may be configured to generate a shock pulse in response to the amplified signal waveform. The resonance beam may be mounted to the shaker and may be configured to magnify the shock pulse.