Pyrotechnics: Difference between revisions
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The CSM pyros are detonated by special pyro batteries, which are not connected to the main buses and are not rechargeable. Currently some of the pyros are fully simulated and require a fraction of a second of power to detonate, while others simply explode instantly; eventually the simulation will be extended to correctly handle all pyros. | The CSM pyros are detonated by special pyro batteries, which are not connected to the main buses and are not rechargeable. Currently some of the pyros are fully simulated and require a fraction of a second of power to detonate, while others simply explode instantly; eventually the simulation will be extended to correctly handle all pyros. | ||
The pyros are armed by two switches on the left-hand | ==Switches== | ||
[[Image:PyroArmSwitchesLocation.jpg|thumb|right|Location of pyro arming switches]] | |||
The main spacecraft pyros are armed by two switches<cite>I</cite> on Panel 8 on the left-hand side of the CM ({{Panel label|name=A}} and {{Panel label|name=B}}). Most will not function if the switches are not activated. | |||
<biblio force=false> | |||
#I The SEQ EVENTS CONT SYS PYRO ARM A/B switches receive power from the SEQ EVENTS CONT SYS ARM A/B circuit breakers on panel 8 | |||
#[[References]] | |||
</biblio> | |||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
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* [http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19730011151_1973011151.pdf Apollo Experience Report: Spacecraft Pyrotechnic Systems] | * [http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19730011151_1973011151.pdf Apollo Experience Report: Spacecraft Pyrotechnic Systems] | ||
* [http://history.nasa.gov/afj/aoh/aoh-v1-2-09-seqsys.pdf Apollo Operations Handbook: Sequential Systems] | * [http://history.nasa.gov/afj/aoh/aoh-v1-2-09-seqsys.pdf Apollo Operations Handbook: Sequential Systems] | ||
[[Category:CSM systems]] | [[Category:CSM systems]] | ||
[[Category:LM systems]] | [[Category:LM systems]] | ||
{{stub}} | |||
Latest revision as of 21:22, 29 November 2006
The Pyrotechnics (or 'Pyros' for short) are small explosive devices used for many purposes on the Apollo spacecraft.
Operation
Typically a pyro consists of a small wire in an explosive charge which is heated until the explosive detonates: this might then explode a nut which is used to bolt two stages together, or fire a guillotine which cuts electrical cables connecting two stages. It is essential that these function reliably, as a failure to separate properly could be extremely hazardous to the crew, if not fatal.
The CSM pyros are detonated by special pyro batteries, which are not connected to the main buses and are not rechargeable. Currently some of the pyros are fully simulated and require a fraction of a second of power to detonate, while others simply explode instantly; eventually the simulation will be extended to correctly handle all pyros.
Switches
The main spacecraft pyros are armed by two switchesI on Panel 8 on the left-hand side of the CM (A and B). Most will not function if the switches are not activated.
<biblio force=false>
#I The SEQ EVENTS CONT SYS PYRO ARM A/B switches receive power from the SEQ EVENTS CONT SYS ARM A/B circuit breakers on panel 8 #References </biblio>
External Links
- Apollo Experience Report: Spacecraft Pyrotechnic Systems
- Apollo Operations Handbook: Sequential Systems
