Introduction to Design and Analytical Modelling / Simulation

 

CED prides in its expertise in providing optimum solutions for mechanical devices and systems of a wide range of applications, especially those utilizing pyrotechnic and/or pneumatic power sources – often referred to CAD/PAD (Cartridge Activated Device/Propellant Activated Device) or ECS (Energetic Components and Systems).  CED understands that the proper design methodology of such devices or systems must incorporate careful understanding of the physics involving the thermo-fluid aspects as well as the structural aspects that are simultaneously present in pyrotechnic/pneumatic devices.  Due to the multi-physics nature, pyrotechnic science often has been considered a “black art”; and the applications heavily relied on experimental iterations.  However, it is not only possible, but also crucial to establish a good analytical model that captures the essential processes involved in a pyrotechnic event for optimum design and manufacturing of such devices. 

CED’s proprietary ballistics software provides the analytical tools to model and simulate such pyrotechnic events. SIBAC (Scot Internal Ballistics Analysis Code) addresses simultaneously the combustion, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and solid mechanic aspects of pyrotechnics.  SIBAC is routinely used at Scot and has been proven to successfully predict and simulate performances of numerous pyrotechnic and pneumatic devices over the years.  This analytical tool allows Scot to be both cost and time-efficient in its design and production.  Furthermore, SIBAC along with Scot engineering’s combined 290-plus years of industry experience offers the comprehensive tool for failure investigation, test fixture design, risk analysis, and system integration.  The pages that follow provides the following overview of the Design and Analytical Modelling / Simulation Capabilities at CED

CAD/PAD or ECS is primarily used to supply and/or transfer energy that’ produced by energetic materials.  For example, a pyrotechnic actuator uses the energy released from the solid propellant’s chemical reactions to provide mechanical work to its system.   Meanwhile, a pyrotechnic time-delay uses the controlled burning of delay compositions to transfer energy from one location to another.  Solid propellants are used as the primary energy source in many CAD/PAD and ECS.  Burning of solid propellants produces hot gases, which in a confined volume generates high pressure.  The burning process is relatively quick (in the order of milliseconds), and supplies high power-to-mass ratio.  For instance, less than 20 grams of a solid propellant used in a pyrotechnic actuator can provide 7600 ft-lbs (10 KJ) in less than one tenth of a second.

Atlas V Common Core Booster Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Staging Thrusters

 

Attach/Disconnect/Jettison (ADJ) Thruster System uses two fwd and two aft thrusters per SRM.   The thrusters are initially used to keep SRMs in place during flight until burnout and then to jettison them safely away from the core vehicle.

B-1B Aft Hatch Remover Actuator

 The Aft Hatch Remover Actuator unlatches and removes the aft hatch of B-1B aircraft during the emergency pilot escape sequence.

Delta IV Normally-Closed Pyrovalve for Helium Purge

The Normally-Closed Pyrovalve is functioned to allow the helium flow necessary to purge.

Delta IV Stage Separation System

The pneumatic separation system separates the first and the second stage during
the launch flight. The pneumatic separation system is composed of two identical subsystems, each containing one composite overwrapped pressure vessel for compressed nitrogen and six or eight actuators depending on the weight of the payload.

Boeing 767 Spoiler Override Actuator

The Spoiler Override Actuator is functioned to return the inboard spoilers back to the faired position during deployment of the emergency escape ramp.

Crew Exploration Vehicle Launch Abort System Canard Deploy Actuator

The Canard Actuator is functioned to deploy Canards in the Launch Abort Vehicle during the case of flight termination.

 

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