Shape memory-based actuators and release mechanisms therefrom

SM-based actuators (110) and release mechanisms (100) therefrom and systems (500) including one or more release mechanisms (100). The actuators (110) comprise a SM member (118) and a deformable member (140) mechanically coupled to the SM member (118) which deforms upon a shape change of the SM member triggered by a phase transition of the SM member. A retaining element (160) is mechanically coupled to the deformable member (140), wherein the retaining element (160) moves upon the shape change. Release mechanism (100) include an actuator, a rotatable mechanism (120) including at least one restraining feature (178) for restraining rotational movement of the retaining element (160) before the shape change, and at least one spring (315) that provides at least one locked spring-loaded position when the retaining element is in the restraining feature and at least one released position that is reached when the retaining element is in a position beyond the restraining feature (178). The rotatable mechanism (120) includes at least one load-bearing protrusion (310). A hitch (400) is for mechanically coupling to the load, wherein the hitch is supported on the load bearing protrusion (310) when the rotatable mechanism is in the locked spring-loaded position

Propulsion From The Pulse Detonation Of Solid Propellant Pellet-Projectiles

Conventional solid propulsion is one of the oldest methods of propulsion that make use of deflagration phenomena rather than detonation to generate combustion gases. Proposed is a technology that makes use of detonation phenomena of solid propellents. This technology substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs, and in doing so provides a system primarily developed for the purpose of providing a propulsion method that would have the advantages of both solid and liquid propulsion systems. The primary concept is that solid propellent pellets having a specific shape-profile is ejected in the form of projectiles having a certain velocity, interacts with a medium for initiation and the detonation of the solid propellent pellets takes place in flight. The velocity, the shape profile of the propellant pellets and the detonation process determines forward direction of the combustion gases evolved. The proposed technology has a specific application in space vehicle / space craft propulsion, and in military such as cruise missiles. Furthermore, variants of the proposed concept can be employed as in the case of detonation driven ramjets (dramjets) and detonation initiators for pulse detonation engines (PDEs)