Simulation and experiment of passive orbit disconnected support

Research has been done on Passive Orbit Disconnect Support (PODS) using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and experiment to study its' property. Through the FEM simulation of static structural analysis and steady-status thermal analysis, the results show that PODS can change its contact status as the force changes, thus change the force and heat transfer path. In the disconnected status, the heat leakage decreases because longer heat transfer path increases the thermal resistance. In the contact status, the PODS can bear larger force load. It is verified that the PODS can adaptively change its contact state as the load change using experiment. The gap between the stem and nut or end cold body can be calculated. This paper can provide some guidance for the PODS applications.