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Hydraulic Apparatus for Mechanical Testing of NutsThe figure depicts an apparatus for mechanical testing of nuts. In the original application for which the apparatus was developed, the nuts are of a frangible type designed for use with pyrotechnic devices in spacecraft applications in which there are requirements for rapid, one-time separations of structures that are bolted together. The apparatus can also be used to test nonfrangible nuts engaged without pyrotechnic devices. This apparatus was developed to replace prior testing systems that were extremely heavy and immobile and characterized by long setup times (of the order of an hour for each nut to be tested). This apparatus is mobile, and the setup for each test can now be completed in about five minutes. The apparatus can load a nut under test with a static axial force of as much as 6.8 x 10(exp 5) lb (3.0 MN) and a static moment of as much as 8.5 x 10(exp 4) lb in. (9.6 x 10(exp 3) N(raised dot)m) for a predetermined amount of time. In the case of a test of a frangible nut, the pyrotechnic devices can be exploded to break the nut while the load is applied, in which case the breakage of the nut relieves the load. The apparatus can be operated remotely for safety during an explosive test. The load-generating portion of the apparatus is driven by low-pressure compressed air; the remainder of the apparatus is driven by 110-Vac electricity. From its source, the compressed air is fed to the apparatus through a regulator and a manually operated valve. The regulated compressed air is fed to a pneumatically driven hydraulic pump, which pressurizes oil in a hydraulic cylinder, thereby causing a load to be applied via a hydraulic nut (not to be confused with the nut under test). During operation, the hydraulic pressure is correlated with the applied axial load, which is verified by use of a load cell. Prior to operation, one end of a test stud (which could be an ordinary threaded rod or bolt) is installed in the hydraulic nut. The other end of the test stud passes through a bearing plate; a load cell is slid onto that end, and then the nut to be tested is threaded onto that end and tightened until the nut and load cell press gently against the bearing plate.
Document ID
20110020547
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Other - NASA Tech Brief
External Source(s)
http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/311
Authors
Hinkel, Todd J. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Dean, Richard J. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Hacker, Scott C. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Harrington, Douglas W. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Salazar, Frank (Lockheed Martin Corp. Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 2004
Publication Information
Publication: NASA Tech Briefs, September 2004
Subject Category
Man/System Technology And Life Support
Report/Patent Number
MSC-23159
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle20110020517Collected WorksNASA Tech Briefs, September 2004
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