Responsible Engineers: Ben, Sera, Dylan, Sam, Ezra, Emily, Hong, Juan, Nihal
Purpose of ASIT:
- Minimize effects of roll coupled instability to increase altitude
- Create a mechanically reliable separation mechanism between stages to be independent of external factors
- Replace drag separation system
Possible separation mechanisms:
Pyrotechnic bolts: Black powder inside the bolts is ignited and the bolts break which allows stage separation
Shear fasteners/shear pins: Second stage ignition creates pressure build up which breaks the shear pins holding stages together
Clamp bands: Two rings clamped together are held in place by bolt; explosives used to cut the clamping bolt or low shock release mechanism allows separation
Previous Research: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1tLNmXbTf-7U4gAcfWLIA0tKY9M7hDJ0tfNnUzZUsjvk/edit#slide=id.g163b4058356_0_75, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1--9ZwutVredU8o6Q8-siPTgBAkyPWjnj13VRFe6kv1g/edit, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qsLoEZxI6sGaqtcGwe-9B6oirdFroUk_BiBHpKw73Pw/edit
Current Research:
- https://spaceflight.com/launch-vehicle-separation-systems-101/
- https://esmats.eu/esmatspapers/pastpapers/pdfs/2021/uythoven.pdf