W O R K S H O P
SPACE AND ROCKET SCIENCE
INJECTS WATERJET TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE
Sending satellites into orbit is today a large and global
industry. In Sweden you find a world leading supplier of
payload adapters and separation systems for commercial
launch vehicles. It manufactures systems compatible with
all commercial satellite buses in the world today. Market
leadership means constant investigation of ways to develop
the rocket science even further. This time it led to new ways
of processing its thick carbon fibre materials.
The purpose of the payload adapter
and separation system is to bring a
satellite into orbit. The systems ensure
that satellite and rocket remain
securely attached to one another
during the tough journey into space,
and then deliver the valuable payloads
into orbit with precision.
The payload adapter of today is
made out of aluminum and carbon
fibre technology. The two parts are
thoroughly bolted together into one
big cone, several meters in diameter.
The design has an impressive
performance. Over 600 separations
have been carried out in orbit with a
100% success rate.
But calculations have shown that
payload adapter systems in 100%
carbon fibre would improve weight
and stiffness significantly. A design
that could increase both rocket
efficiency and investment payback.
Instead of bolting the two payload
adapter pieces together the same
design as on glulam beams could
be used – finger joints. A design
that enables a big contact surface,
a strong joint and is suitable when
joining similar materials.
Since neither milling nor sawing was
applicable for processing this kind
of design, Water Jet Sweden was
contacted to conduct live waterjet
test cutting.
“Complex carbon fibre geometries
are generally difficult to process
efficiently without using waterjet
cutting technology,” Tony Ryd, cto at
Water Jet Sweden, explains.
46 July 2018