Development and evaluation of concepts for a highacceleration test rig : Development of a test rig, which aims to investigate possibilities for controllable and securepressure build up

Abstract: Since the early 18th century, compressed air has been used as a variant of propellant to move objects.The technology was not very successful during that period, but in the 20th century, engineers beganexploring the possibilities of using compressed air to power tools and machines. This sparked thedevelopment of the use of different gases and how they can be adapted for other purposes.The purpose behind this thesis work was to find a suitable solution for a test rig, which couldbe used to analyze components produced by Saab Dynamics, when exposed to high varyingaccelerations. Furthermore, the test rig had additional aims to address such as the conclusionof whether pressurized air could meet the requirements of these accelerations. Hence, thisthesis focused on finding and analyzing suitable solutions for the pressure build up and forthe storage of the compressed medium. A literature study was conducted to gatherinformation regarding other high acceleration devices, especially the ones utilizingcompressed air, and evaluate the concepts found during this process. However, severalconcepts were found and presented throughout concept iterations, where all concepts wereevaluated based on the requirements specification for this thesis. Finally, a concept for thepressure build up was presented as the most suitable solution and a design for this conceptwas also presented.This master's thesis primarily focuses on a conceptual design of a rig but also includes minoranalyses, calculations, and safety considerations to support some of the selected componentsthat this rig needs to be functional.