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[i]Two qualification test failures of the explosive hatch with a single explosive cord have occurred. The hatch is now being redesigned to fail the bolts in tension rather than by stripping the threads.[/i]
[i]During a period between August 5, 1961 and October 12, 1961 a series of environmental tests were Conducted on the explosive hatch. Individual pieces of the mild detonation fuse (MDF) cord, detonator caps, cnd RDX lead cups were subjected to simulated altitudes of 118 miles and 135 miles and subjected to 2,000-volt +1.2 to 2.0 milliampere static discharges. No inadvertent ignition occurred. The units were then assembled into igniter assemblies and fired by pulling the lanyard. Full-order ignition occurred. Additional MDF cord was subjected to varying exposure in hydrogen peroxide. One condition resulted in a low order detonation without igniting the full length of 12 inches. Two repeats of the same condition failed to induce detonation. The MDF was reduced to puddles of lead in all of these tests. Three inert igniter assemblies were subjected to push tests with shear pin removed, with and without vacuum, and with and without "0" ring. Minimum push force was 2.63 pounds. The assembly with minimum push force was subjected to vibrations of 0.03g to 10g at frequencies from 5 to 2,000 cycles per second with no displacement of plunger noted. A loaded hatch assembly, subjected to saline solution soak, with vacuum, electrostatic shock and vibration, was degraded to the point of "no fire" due to salt concentration degrading the detonator caps. This hatch assembly was disassembled, reloaded, and subjected to a simulated launch, three orbits, and reentry temperature test conditions. Pressure altitude during the test was 240,000 feet. Upon removal from the test chamber, the hatch was subjected to a saline solution soak and repeated electrostatic discharges. No detonation occurred. The hatch was then fired by lanyard pull and normal operation occurred.[/i]
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