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Metallurgical Analysis of M4 Fastener Used in Integrated Nano-satellite Launcher System (INLS-2U) Failed During Torque Retention Check

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Abstract

Integrated Nano-Satellite Launcher System (INLS-2U) is a non-pyrotechnic satellite dispenser that provides safe and reliable separation of nanosatellites into orbits. After the acceptance testing of this satellite separation system, all fasteners were verified for 80% torque retention. During this verification, one of the 70 Nos. of hexagonal socket head cap fasteners (M4 × 0.7 × 10L) has failed. These fasteners are used for the assembly of side plates to the bottom and top plates of the non-pyrotechnic dispenser. The material for construction of the bottom/top/side plate is AA2014 in T651 condition, and the fasteners are made of 35NCD16 steel material with cadmium plating. Detailed metallurgical analysis was carried out to find the reason for the fastener failure. Based on the detailed fractographic and metallographic analysis, it is concluded that the root cause of fastener failure is attributed to ‘hydrogen embrittlement.’

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Acknowledgment

Authors wish to place on record their deep sense of gratitude to Group Director, MMG and Deputy Director, VSSC (MME) for their support, encouragement, and guidance during the analysis. We also acknowledge our gratitude to Director, VSSC for permission to publish the work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India

    K. Jalaja, M. S. Dhanya, Sushant K. Manwatkar & Rohit Kumar Gupta

  2. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiamala, Thiruvananthapuram, India

    S. V. S. Narayana Murty

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  1. K. Jalaja
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  2. M. S. Dhanya
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  3. Sushant K. Manwatkar
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  4. S. V. S. Narayana Murty
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Correspondence to K. Jalaja.

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Jalaja, K., Dhanya, M.S., Manwatkar, S.K. et al. Metallurgical Analysis of M4 Fastener Used in Integrated Nano-satellite Launcher System (INLS-2U) Failed During Torque Retention Check. J Fail. Anal. and Preven. 23, 1092–1100 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-023-01649-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11668-023-01649-0

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