Platform Coupling Test Plans
Author: Ian Prechtl
MSD: HABIP COMMS P17104
The goal of this test plan is to determine – if over the timespan of flight of the HABIP – the locknuts chosen can reliably survive the flight, i.e. remain attached to the platform screws while retaining some structural compression. The test plan is separated into two categories – static and dynamic loading.
Static Testing
This test serves as the initial testing criteria for the locknut coupling system. Should the system fail this, test, all other tests are rendered failures.
The static testing procedure will be a singular phase testing process. A singular screw-nut coupling will be loaded with 2 pounds of weight. As there are eight couplings making up the platform, at a maximum weight of ten pounds, this loading is considered sufficient. The testing is as follows:
Procedures:
1) Make appropriate coupling connecting to locknut.
2) Position the locknut edge against the testing rid so that the threads of the screw are not in contact with the testing platform.
3) Load the coupling screw with two pounds of weight.
4) Let the screw rest for approximately 24 hours.
5) De-load the screw, checking for thread failures, locknut failures, etc…
6) If not failures are found then static testing is considered a success.
Dynamic Testing
Should the system pass static testing, dynamic testing is required to further validate the locknut connection. This will be completed in a similar fashion to the static loading test, however with load excitation. Should the system pass this test, then the testing as a whole is considered a pass.
Procedures:
1) 1) Make appropriate coupling connecting to locknut.
2) Position the locknut edge against the testing rid so that the threads of the screw are not in contact with the testing platform.
3) Load the coupling screw with two pounds of weight.
4) Hoist the load a vertical height of six inches above the neutral horizontal datum of the load.
5) Release the weight.
6) Wait for 20 seconds.
7) Repeat Steps 4-6 for a period of 4 hours.
Note: Steps 4-7 may be replaced with an automated method at varying delay periods – this method is actually preferred.
8) De-load the screw, checking for thread failures, locknut failures, etc…
9) If not failures are found then static testing is considered a success.