Dynamic Response Index Minimization for Personnel Escape Systems

The paper outlined a technique which may be employed with minimum modification to existing rocket catapult components to reduce the probability of injury to users of aircraft emergency escape systems. Experimental tests have verified the results of theoretical analyses and have demonstrated the ability to modify the catapult ballistics and thus moderate the dynamic response indes (DRI). In addition, this technique may also be employed to upgrade the performance of existing and future aircraft escape systems by permitting maximization of the ejection velocity with respect to the allowable catapult stroke and DRI specification limit.