Purpose:

The piston diaphragm pushes on soft goods and separates the vehicle.

Requirements:

  • Must withstand the force applied by the piston (340lbf) [with minimal deformation, less than .1 mm]

  • Must withstand the shock forces applied at each U-bolt hole (26 lbf each)

  • Must fit within the airframe

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  • Must be able to interface with U-bolt

  • Must be able to interface with piston

Details/Design:

Material: Aluminum 6061 T6

Mass: 0.16 lbs

Safety Factor: 2


The Piston Diaphragm pushes on soft goods and separates the vehicle and withstands piston actuation and shock forces during recovery deployment. It includes three tapped holes. The piston is attached to the center hole, and the U-bolt is attached to the other two holes. 

FEA:

Forces considered: 340lbf piston actuation, 26lbf U-bolt shock forces

Manufacturing:

  1. Waterjet profile
    1. Leave holes slightly undersized
  2. Tap holes

Testing:

  • Piston deployed during ground testing, showed successful deployment of nose cone by piston diaphragm, piston diaphragm's ability to withstand shock forces, and that the U-bolt stayed in place
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