Inertial Roll Rate Decay Product Details

Measure Mechanical Losses With Precision

Unexpected structural shifts and aerodynamic drag can cause unpredictable changes in payload spin rate. This can lead to complete mission failure. Our roll rate decay simulator measures the exact decay in spin rate from mechanical losses by rotating payloads on a frictionless gas bearing. It can also detect retarding torques as low as 0.001 lb-inch.

The roll rate decay simulator can be instrumented to measure the net moment of inertia of the payload. But it has the added capacity to simultaneously measure the rotating assembly’s gross moment of inertia. This ensures unparalleled reliability, validating payload integrity and preventing costly mission failures.

Benefits of Our Roll Rate Decay Simulator

Comparing roll decay rates against a master test object with our inertial roll rate decay product can determine minuscule differences in the payload. For test engineers and program managers, this means:

• Reduced costs: Changes in structure within an assembly, such as fluid-filled chamber leaks or loose components, can be found without costly and time-consuming disassembly. This reduces the chances of having to conduct a full teardown.
• Satellite rotational loss prevention: The simulator measures minute issues related to fluid sloshing or slip at bolted joints, reducing the potential for hysteresis loss due to gravitational flexing in space. This extends satellite operational life and safeguards mission objectives.
• Precise aerodynamic drag measurement: The device’s sensitivity delivers superior accuracy in determining windage losses for various airfoil shapes. Drag is measured with projections as small as the head of a 1/4-inch socket head cap screw, leading to breakthrough design optimization and enhanced efficiency.

All of these factors are critical for design optimization, performance validation and efficiency in applications where airflow is a priority.