System consisting of payload surrounded by radially compartmented spherical gas bag is proposed; vehicle kinetic energy is dissipated as consequence of gas flow characteristics through orifices in compartment walls; multiple-impact capability is obtained by retaining gas within bag; impact characteristics of test vehicle were investigated experimentally to determine energy dissipation capabilities of such system; analytical expressions were obtained for acceleration, velocity, stroke, and compartment pressures for test vehicles and gas bag landing systems; computed and experimental values of kinetic energy dissipated by test system agreed within 5%.
Gas bag concept for stowable, omnidirectional, multiple-impact landing system
J Spacecraft Rockets
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets ; 4 , n 10
1967
4 pages
Article (Journal)
English
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