Actions for Full-Scale System for Quantifying Loads and Leak Rates of Seals for Space Applications

Email RIS file
Bookmark
Report an Issue

Full-Scale System for Quantifying Loads and Leak Rates of Seals for Space Applications

Author
Steinetz, Bruce M.
Published
December 2010.
Physical Description
1 electronic document
Additional Creators
Wasowski, Janice L., Mayer, John J., Erker, Arthur H., Dunlap, Patrick H., Jr., Robbie, Malcolm G., Drlik, Gary J., and Daniels, Christopher C.
Online Version

Availability

I Want It
I Want It

Finding items...

Restrictions on Access
Unclassified, Unlimited, Publicly available.
Free-to-read Unrestricted online access
Summary
NASA is developing advanced space-rated vacuum seals in support of future space exploration missions to low-Earth orbit and other destinations. These seals may be 50 to 60 in. (127 to 152 cm) in diameter and must exhibit extremely low leak rates to ensure that astronauts have sufficient breathable air for extended missions to the International Space Station or the Moon. Seal compression loads must be below prescribed limits so as not to overload the mechanisms that compress them during docking or mating, and seal adhesion forces must be low to allow two mated systems to separate when required. NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a new test apparatus to measure leak rates and compression and adhesion loads of candidate full-scale seals under simulated thermal, vacuum, and engagement conditions. Tests can be performed in seal-on-seal or seal-on-flange configurations at temperatures from -76 to 140 F (-60 to 60 C) under operational pressure gradients. Nominal and off-nominal mating conditions (e.g., incomplete seal compression) can also be simulated. This paper describes the main design features of the test apparatus as well as techniques used to overcome some of the design challenges.
Other Subject(s)
Collection
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) Collection.
Note
Document ID: 20110004248.
E-17464.
AIAA Paper 2010-6987.
NASA/TM-2010-216885.
46th Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit; 25-28 Jul. 2010; Nashville, TN; United States.
Terms of Use and Reproduction
Copyright, Distribution as joint owner in the copyright.
View MARC record | catkey: 15992735