Contamination of spacecraft components with planetary and foreign object debris is a growing concern. Face seals separating the spacecraft cabin from the debris filled environment are particularly susceptible; if the seal becomes contaminated there is potential for decreased performance, mission failure, or catastrophe. In this study, silicone elastomer O-rings were contaminated with JSC- 1A lunar regolith and their leak rate performance was evaluated. The leak rate values of contaminated O-rings at four levels of seal compression were compared to those of as-received, uncontaminated, O-rings. The results showed a drastic increase in leak rate after contamination. JSC-1A contaminated O-rings lead to immeasurably high leak rate values for all levels of compression except complete closure. Additionally, a mechanical method of simulant removal was examined. In general, this method returned the leak rate to as-received values.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Leak Rate Performance of Silicone Elastomer O-Rings Contaminated with JSC-1A Lunar Regolith Simulant


    Publication date :

    2014


    Size :

    10 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English






    Lunar Regolith Simulant User's Guide

    Schrader, C. M. / Rickman, D. L. / McLemore, C. A. et al. | NTRS | 2010


    Lunar Regolith Simulant User's Guide

    C. M. Schrader / D. L. Rickman / C. A. McLemore et al. | NTIS | 2010


    NASA Lunar Regolith Simulant Program

    Edmunson, J. / Betts, W. / Rickman, D. et al. | NTRS | 2010