Flight Testing of Latch Valve with Lightweight LV-Servo Direct Drive Mechanism

TL;DR

This paper presents the design and testing of a lightweight servo motor-based latch valve mechanism for rockets, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability under simulated flight conditions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel lightweight servo-driven latch valve system for rockets, replacing traditional step motor mechanisms to improve performance and environmental resilience.

Findings

Servo motor effectively controlled the latch valve during tests.

The mechanism maintained performance under simulated rocket environmental conditions.

Lightweight design reduces overall system mass.

Abstract

In the field of rocket technology, the latch valve assumes a pivotal role in regulating the flow of fuel gases and liquids to ensure the requisite energy supply. This project endeavors to innovate by replacing the conventional step motor mechanism with a servo motor for latch valve control. The selected servo motor, boasting a more compact form factor and reduced mass, aligns seamlessly with the project's overarching objectives. While servo motors offer myriad advantages, it is imperative to acknowledge and address the constraints of their maximum output torque to guarantee the latch valve's reliable operation. Furthermore, as a rocket ascends, it encounters significant fluctuations in internal temperature and pressure. Consequently, rigorous environmental testing becomes paramount to validate the servo motor's performance under these dynamic conditions, thus ensuring the latch valve's unwavering functionality. The primary focus of this project is the design and testing of the mechanism's performance in simulated rocket environments, achieved through the implementation of the servo motor for latch valve control. The results reveal that the servo motor demonstrated its effectiveness and reliability in controlling the latch valve under the rigorous environmental conditions of rocket flight.