Modelling of a pyroshock test device

Pyroshocks are transient motions of structural elements due to explosive loading induced by the detonation of ordnance devices incorporated into or attached to the structure. In space programs the simulation of pyroshocks is a fixed part of the test requirement for instruments and equipments of space vehicles. Therefore, by the use of various test devices such as hammer pendulums the excitation of a pyroshock has to be reproduced which, so far, has led to rather empirical knowledge. In the current work a better predictability of pyroshocks is focussed in order to reduce the duration of test periods. As an approach numerical and analytical calculations are used for the simulation of in-plane wave propagation in rods and rectangular disks due to mechanical impacts. Furthermore, the results obtained from different mathematical and mechanical theories are compared with data received from conducted experiments. (© 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)