RAPID PROTOTYPING OF SHOCK ISOLATORS

Abstract

Northrop Grumman desires a design for shock isolators manufactured through 3-D printing. These isolators mitigate dynamic loads associated with launch and flight of a launch vehicle that would otherwise damage delicate components. The materials used to create the commercial isolators are specialty, and the part is expensive to produce with a manufacturing lead time around half a year. A 3-D printed part will be less expensive and faster to produce. The system will be used in various launch vehicles for commercial and military purposes. The isolators will be mounted to sensitive equipment by technicians. Size constraints have been set so the isolator will allow clearance for other components. Isolator locations will be determined by Northrop Grumman and their vehicle assemblies. The expected timeline of use is in Northrop Grumman’s Acceptance Test Procedures and after final installation during launch and pyroshock, which typically is the most damaging event. After launch, the individual isolators do not need to be reused and new ones can be produced, since they are low cost and fast to manufacture. The stakeholders in this project are Scott Rowland, Sierra Rose, Northrop Grumman engineers and technicians, the University of Arizona, Claude Merrill, Savannah Armstrong, Daniel Kotlyar, Cameron Lippon, Ian Lisk, Trey Saari, and Christian Tagle. Scott and Sierra representing Northrop Grumman will be the customers.