Simple and Effective
The EBAD TiNi™ Frangibolt® actuator is a simple and effective way to support and release loads up to 20,000 lbf. The principle of operation is simple: A Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) cylinder elongates to fracture a bolt or stud thereby achieving separation of two or more components. Standard Fastener sizes range from # 8 size screws to ¾” bolts.
Significant Flight Pedigree — Since its outer space debut aboard the spacecraft Clementine (1994), the Frangibolt has been qualified and used in numerous other space applications.
NEA® (Non-Explosive Actuators) — As with all of the TiNi™ product line, the Frangibolt® Actuator is non-pyrotechnic and field reset-able with a minimum qualified life of 60 cycles.
Easy to Reset & Simple to Use — The actuator is reset by the customer in a matter of seconds (i.e. no need to ship back to EBAD). This enables numerous system level testing to be performed prior to flight usage to ensure maximum reliability.
Redundant — Each Frangibolt® Actuator incorporates a redundant heater which is capable of independently functioning the actuator.
Safe to Use and Operate — The Frangibolt® Actuator does not pose any safety concerns to personnel, is low shock, and insensitive to ESD (Electro-Static Discharge).
Cost Efficient — Due to its relative simplicity, EBAD is able to provide the Frangibolt® Actuator at a significantly lower price than comparable devices.
Using Shape Memory Alloy “SMA”, EBAD’s TiNi™ Frangibolt® Actuator is a non-pyrotechnic, compact mechanism that provides effective way to support, and release loads. With a wide temperature range and electrical redundancy for the heater circuit, the Frangibolt provides reliable actuations for a variety of aerospace applications. Like all other products in EBAD’s TiNi™ brand, the Frangibolt actuator is simple to reset and install with a new Titanium fastener.
Contact us for more information on this product
Frangibolt® Actuator Options
(Please use the tabs below to see different product options)
Actuator FC2
The FC2 size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied #8 size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 1,400 lbf (6,227 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 400 lbf (1,880 N) of preload. As with all of the TiNi™ product line, key attributes include:
Features:
-
- Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
- Redundant Firing Circuit, and
- Maximum Reliability Thru
- Design Simplicity
- Pedigree, and
- Testability
* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.
Function Time at Various Temperatures
FC2 Details
| Mass | 0.9 oz [25 g] |
|---|---|
| Power | 25 W @ 28 VDC |
| Operational Voltage | 22 – 36 VDC |
| Current Draw | 0.9 A @ 28 VDC |
| Resistance | 31 ± 3.0 Ω |
| Max Load Support and Release | 850 lbf [2,781 N] |
| Function Time | 30 sec. @ 28 VDC (23 degrees C) TYPICAL |
| RTD | 1,000 Ω @ @ 0 degrees C |
| Life | 60 Cycles MIN |
| Operational Temperature | -65 degrees C to +80 degrees C |
| Bolt Tensile Strength | 1,400 lbf [6,277 N] TYPICAL |
| Installation Torque | 14 in-lbf |
Specification subject to revision. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).
The Fasteners used in the Frangibolt® Actuator release system are an integral part of the mechanism. For all Frangibolt® Actuator sizes, a significant amount of testing was performed to derive the optimum material, notch profile and notch diameter. These features must remain constant for all applications. As per the standard fastener ICD, the customer typically specifies the Fastener type, grip and thread length as well as the notch location.
Actuator FC3
The FC3 size Frangibol® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied #10 size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 2,250 lbf (10,008 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 700 lbf (3,110 N) of preload. As with all TiNi products, key attributes include:
Features:
-
- Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
- Redundant Firing Circuit, and
- Maximum Reliability Thru
- Design Simplicity
- Pedigree, and
- Testability
* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.
Function Time at Various Temperatures
FC3 Details
Actuator FC4
The FC4 size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied 1/4″ size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 5,200 lbf (23,131 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 1,500 lbf (6,670 N) of preload. As with all TiNi™ products, key attributes include:
Features:
-
- Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
- Redundant Firing Circuit, and
- Maximum Reliability Thru
- Design Simplicity
- Pedigree, and
- Testability
* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.
Function Time at Various Temperatures
FC4 Details
Actuator FC6
The FC6 size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied 3/8″ size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 9,200 lbf (40,924 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 4,000 lbf (17,800 N) of preload. As with all TiNi™ products, key attributes include:
Features:
-
- Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
- Redundant Firing Circuit, and
- Maximum Reliability Thru
- Design Simplicity
- Pedigree, and
- Testability
* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.
Function Time at Various Temperatures
FC6 Details
Actuator FC8
The FC8 size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied 1/2″ size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 15,000 lbf (66,723 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 7,000 lbf (31,130 N) of preload. As with all TiNi™ products, key attributes include:
Features:
-
- Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
- Redundant Firing Circuit, and
- Maximum Reliability Thru
- Design Simplicity
- Pedigree, and
- Testability
* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.
Function Time at Various Temperatures
FC8 Details
Frangibolt® Actuator Accessories
(Please click the “+” below to learn more about product accessories)
All our Frangibolt® Actuators are rated to have a minimum life of 60 cycles. For continued testing and preparation for installation, EBAD provides a range of Frangibolt® reset tools as shown. These are made up of a high quality hydraulic pump, cylinder and pressure gage designed to generate the force and stroke required to compress the actuator.
Compression of the Frangibolt® Actuator is a simple 3 step process: First, install the unit in the fixture as shown. Second, pump the handle until the prescribed pressure is reached. Third, release the pressure via the bleed screw and remove the actuator. The whole process may be carried out in less than 30 seconds. Furthermore, the size and weight of the Frangibolt® Compression Fixture make it fully portable allowing easy transport.
Reset Tool Details for TiNi™ Frangibolt® Actuator Options
| Frangibolt® Re-Loading Procedure | |||||
| Frangibolt® Models | FBT-CT2 (psi) | FBT-CT3 (psi) | FBT-CT4 (psi) | Applied Load (lbf) | Tolerance (lbf) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FB2 & FC2 | 1,500 ± 100 | NA | NA | 3,400 | ± 200 |
| FB3 & FC3 | 2,500 ± 100 | NA | NA | 5,600 | ± 200 |
| FB4 & FC4 | 4,500 ± 100 | NA | NA | 10,000 | ± 500 |
| FB6 & FC6 | NA | 4,700 ± 200 | NA | 21,000 | ± 900 |
| FB8 & FC8 | NA | NA | 4,700 ± 200 | 29,000 | ± 1300 |
Note: All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).
The Fasteners used in the Frangibolt® Actuator release system are an integral part of the mechanism. For all Frangibolt® Actuator sizes, a significant amount of testing was performed to derive the optimum material, notch profile and notch diameter. These features must remain constant for all applications. As per our ICD’s
-
Customers may also submit there own drawings for EBAD approval.
EBAD’s TiNi™ Fasteners are manufactured per strict tolerances and procedures involving both individual and lot-level testing and inspection.
The picture below illustrates some of the more common Fastener configurations that have been successfully used. Each suits a different type of Frangibolt® Actuator joint design and lends enormous versatility to this unique product. For custom fasteners additional charges apply.
*Fasteners are made from 6AL-4V Titanium per AMS 4965 with a minimum tensile strength of 160 Ksi (1104 MPa) Note: All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Internal Control Drawing).
Fastener Examples
The Washers used in the Frangibolt® Actuator assembly are an important part of the mechanism. They serve the following critical functions:
- They distribute the relatively high recovery stress generated by the Nitinol cylinder during actuation, on a much larger contact area.
- They have minimum thickness so as to minimize the overall length of the joint.
- They have chamfers specially designed to match fillet radiuses of NAS bolts (at the location where the bolt head meets the bolt shank).
- They have tighter fitting inner diameters designed to clear NAS bolt shanks while at the same time maximizing coverage of the Nitinol cylinder.
Product Details
G10/FR4 Washer |
|||||||||||
Size |
Max Bolt Dia. |
O.D. |
O.D. Tol. |
I.D. |
I.D TOl. |
CHAM |
CHAM
|
Thick |
Thick Tol. |
Color |
Part # |
#4 |
0.112″ |
Ø0.300 |
±0.005″ |
Ø0.116″ |
+0.003″
|
o.oo5″ |
+0.005″
|
0.32″ |
±0.003″ |
Natural |
F8768-G1 |
Titanium Washer |
|||||||||||
Size |
Max Bolt Dia. |
O.D. |
O.D. Tol. |
I.D. |
I.D TOl. |
CHAM |
CHAM
|
Thick |
Thick Tol. |
Color |
Part # |
#4 |
0.112″ |
Ø0.300 |
±0.005″ |
Ø0.116″ |
+0.003″
|
o.oo5″ |
+0.005″
|
0.32″ |
±0.005″ |
Purple |
F8768-T1 |
#8 |
0.164″ |
Ø0.450 |
±0.005″ |
Ø0.168″ |
+0.003″
|
o.o10″ |
+0.005″
|
0.50″ |
±0.005″ |
Teal
|
F8768-T2 |
#10 |
0.190″ |
Ø0.500 |
±0.005″ |
Ø0.195″ |
+0.005″
|
o.o15″ |
+0.005″
|
0.63″ |
±0.005″ |
Dark
|
F8768-T3 |
1/4″ |
0.250″ |
Ø0.650 |
±0.005″ |
Ø0.258″ |
+0.005″
|
o.o20″ |
+0.005″
|
0.80″ |
±0.005″ |
Green/
|
F8768-T4 |
3/8″ |
0.375″ |
Ø0.950 |
±0.005″ |
Ø0.381″ |
+0.005″
|
o.o25″ |
+0.005″
|
0.94″ |
±0.005″ |
Mag. |
F8768-T5 |
1/2″ |
0.500″ |
Ø1.100 |
±0.005″ |
Ø0.510″ |
+0.005″
|
o.o30″ |
+0.005″
|
0.32″ |
±0.005″ |
Dark Grey |
F8768-T6 |
Standard Frangibolt® Actuator Models may require the use of a locknut as part of a release mechanism design.
EBAD offers custom locknuts or NAS1805 series locknuts which are commonly used as part of a Frangibolt® release mechanism design.
The NAS1805 series locknuts have been widely used with the larger sized Frangibolt® Actuator release mechanisms as they offer the following key features:
- They are made from high strength A286 stainless steel with a minimum tensile strength of 180 ksi.
- They are silver plated to reduce friction and minimize galling.
- They have a locking feature in the form of deformity in the thread.
- They offer a higher profile then other similar sized locknuts, thereby increasing the number of threads engaged and reducing the stress in the thread.
TiNi™ custom locknuts are recommended for use with the smaller sized Frangibolt® Actuator release mechanisms as they offer the following key features:
- They are made from high strength Titanium Ti 6Al-4V STA (Solution Treated and Aged) with a minimum tensile strength of 160 ksi.
- They are anodized for ease of identification and further material hardening.
- They have a locking helicoil made out of 304SS (Stainless Steel) with a minimum tensile strength of 200 ksi.
- They offer a higher profile then other similar sized locknuts, thereby increasing the number of threads engaged and reducing the stress in the thread.
Note that not all Frangibolt® Actuator release mechanism designs require a locknut as many designs thread directly into a flange or surface. In this case, it is important that the threaded connection be designed to withstand the tensile strength of the notched Frangibolt® Actuator fastener.
Product Details
| Frangibolt® Models | Thread Size | Part # | Type | Target Preload (lbf) | Recco. Installation Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FD04 | 4-40 | F83250-1 | Locking | 150 | 50 in-oz |
| FC2 | 8-32 | F83380-1 | Locking | 400 | 14 in-lb |
| FC3 | 10-32 | F83620-1 | Locking | 700 | 20 in-lb |
| FC4 | 1/4-28 | NAS1805-4P | Locking | 1,500 | 65 in-lb |
| FC6 | 3/8-24 | NAS1805-6P | Locking | 4,000 | 250 in-lb |
| FC8 | 1/2-20 | NAS1805-8P | Locking | 7,000 | 50 ft-lb |
The enclosure shown is a generic design meant to show how the Frangibolt® Actuator can be held down and retained after actuation. This is done using a thin walled aluminum housing which is held down using a low profile ring. Note that making these 2 parts as separate pieces allows the enclosure to be rotated into the exact position desired for each application. A third component in the form of a silicon rubber dampener is incorporated inside the can to avoid metal on metal impact during actuation.
In many cases a separate enclosure (as shown) is not necessary because such a means can be designed directly into the releasable joint.
Product Details
| Envelope Dimensions | FC2 | FC3 | FC4 | FC6 | FC8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A (in) | 1,380 (3.5 cm) | 1.715 (4.35 cm) | 2.120 (5.4 cm) | 2.785 (7.1 cm) | 3.750 (9.5 cm) |
| B (in) | 0.760 (1.93 cm) | 0.875 (2.22 (cm) | 1.170 (2.97 cm) | 1.545 (3.92 cm) | 1.875 (4.76 cm) |
Note: All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).
The Switch Washer is a combination Switch and Washer developed as a simple means of determining when the Frangibolt® Actuator has functioned. It comprises of a top and bottom bearing surface, internally mounted belleville spring, and a pair of mating electrical contacts. The belleville spring is preloaded to generate more than 20 lbs of force to keep the top and bottom surfaces separated thereby firmly biasing the switch to the Open position. However, once installed on a bolted joint and tightened to the prescribed torque, the top and bottom surfaces are brought together closing the switch contacts and preloading the Frangibolt® Actuator joint assembly. The switch contacts remain closed until the Frangibolt releases the tension by breaking the bolt during actuation. At this time, the belleville spring once again returns the Switch back to the Open position within a fraction of a second.
The Switch-Washer may be used in one of two ways: It can be wired in series with the Frangibolt® Actuator to act as an automatic shut-off switch, or it can be wired as part of a separate circuit to serve as a feedback loop to a controller.
Product Details
| Frangibolt® Model # | ID (in.) | OC (in.) | Thickness (in.) | Mass (g) | Switch Washer Model # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC2 | .166 | 1.050 | .300 | 22 | SW2 |
| FC3 | .194 | 1.025 | .475 | 21 | SW3 |
| FC4 | .257 | 1.025 | .475 | 21 | SW4 |
| FC6 | .381 | 1.250 | .500 | 50 | SW6 |
Note: All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).
For applications which require strict control of preload, EBAD has teamed with Strainsert Co. to manufacture Frangibolt® Actuator fasteners which are fully instrumented. These offer the following advantages:
- Control Preload within 1%.
- Allow for measurement of In-Situ loads during testing (for example during thermal cycling and/or vibration testing).
- Can be used as feedback to register successful deployment (i.e. preload goes to 0 when bolt is broken).
Product Details
| Strain Gauge Type | 350Ω Full Bridge |
|---|---|
| Strain Gauge Material | Foil |
| Max Service Temp | 350 degrees F (176 degrees C) |
| Max Excitation Voltage | 12 V DC |
| Error Due to | |
| Non-Linearity | <1% Max Load |
| Repetition | <1% Max Load |
| Hysteresis | <1% Max Load |
| Cable Gauge (AWG) | 26 |
| Cable Length | 18 degrees MIN |
Note: All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).
For pricing, or more information on how to order:
*Commercial Item per FAR 2.101