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Pressure Decay Testing Methodology for Quantifying Leak Rates of Full-Scale Docking System SealsNASA is developing a new docking system to support future space exploration missions to low-Earth orbit and the Moon. This system, called the Low Impact Docking System, is a mechanism designed to connect the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle to the International Space Station, the lunar lander (Altair), and other future Constellation Project vehicles. NASA Glenn Research Center is playing a key role in developing the main interface seal for this docking system. This seal will be relatively large with an outside diameter in the range of 54 to 58 in. (137 to 147 cm). As part of this effort, a new test apparatus has been designed, fabricated, and installed to measure leak rates of candidate full-scale seals under simulated thermal, vacuum, and engagement conditions. Using this test apparatus, a pressure decay testing and data processing methodology has been developed to quantify full-scale seal leak rates. Tests performed on untreated 54 in. diameter seals at room temperature in a fully compressed state resulted in leak rates lower than the requirement of less than 0.0025 lbm, air per day (0.0011 kg/day).
Document ID
20100019164
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Dunlap, Patrick H., Jr. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Daniels, Christopher C. (Akron Univ. Akron, OH, United States)
Wasowski, Janice L. (Akron Univ. Akron, OH, United States)
Garafolo, Nicholas G. (Akron Univ. Akron, OH, United States)
Penney, Nicholas (Ohio Aerospace Inst. Brook Park, OH, United States)
Steinetz, Bruce M. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2010
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Report/Patent Number
AIAA Paper 2009-5319
E-17231
NASA/TM-2010-216244
Meeting Information
Meeting: 45th Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit
Location: Denver, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: August 2, 2009
End Date: August 5, 2009
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., American Society for Electrical Engineers
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 644423.06.31.04,01.03.22
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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