The Global Leader in Reliable Energetic Solutions

Overview

EBA&D designs and produces separation systems tailored to unique missile or launch vehicle interstage and payload fairing requirements. Typically mounted to the vehicle structure, the separation system is used to separate expended lower stages or to open payload fairing structures to allow for subsequent payload deployment. EBA&D pedigreed systems can accomplish this task in several different ways. In selecting the proper technology and optimal design solution, EBA&D works with its customers to address vehicle specific parameters.

EBA&D Electrical, Laser or Explosive Signal Transfer Systems can all be used to initiate these separation systems.

Applications

EBA&D design and application experience provides a significant capability to meet your unique vehicle installation and performance needs.

Key System Parameters include:

  • Desired Separation Velocity and Trajectory
  • Debris Generation Issues
  • System Size & Weight
  • Separation Performance (Severance) Margin
  • Induced Shock
  • Flight Environments - Dynamic, Aero-heating
  • Cost

Linear Shaped Charge Severance System

This is perhaps the most common of separation system designs used today for missile or launch vehicle stage separation. The system employs a Linear Shaped Charge which has been sized with the proper amount of explosive per linear foot (coreload) to cut the intended target (metallic or composite). The cutting action is provided by the detonating LSC whose explosive generated plasma jet severs the structure of the vehicle. The LSC Severance System provides a highly reliable solution at a relatively low cost. EBA&D has significant experience in mitigating system issues such as shock and debris through the use of unique charge holder designs.

Mild Detonating Fuse Fracture Systems

These systems are comprised of a frangible sector against which is housed a linear segment of Mild Detonating Fuse (MDF) or cord. Upon detonation of the MDF, the radial shock causes the frangible sector to fracture at a designed stress point, causing the vehicle structures to separate. These systems generally isolate the surrounding environment from debris better than the LSC Severance System, however their system weight, cost and performance margins are typically lower.

Expanding Tube Separation Systems

Where lower shock and complete debris containment are of concern, EBA&D can suggest the use of its range of expanding tube separation systems. The structural requirements and environments will determine which specific design is right for your application. Typical applications are in Payload Fairing and upper stage vehicle separation where contamination of the payload or high shock is of concern. The design consists of a linear mechanical joint that is used to connect vehicle structures. Inside the joint is housed a flattened metal tube that contains an explosive cord. Upon detonating the explosive cord the tube expands and causes the structure to separate with little or no separation velocity.

Linear Explosive Thrusting Joint

Analogous to the Expanding Tube Separation Joint, this separation system utilizes a flexible containment tube instead of the flattened metal tube. This flexible tube generates a much greater stroke upon detonating the explosive cord, which provides an impulse or thrust along the linear joint. The use of this type of system can eliminate the need for auxiliary thrusters or springs to separate the vehicle structures.

Contents

The devices described in this section are:
  • Linear Shaped Charge Separation Systems
  • Expanding Tube Separation Joints
  • Linear Explosive Thrusting Joints