View source for Decoupler and separator/ru

'''Decouplers''' and '''separators''' are [[parts]] that allow detachment of one vehicle section from another. A typical example is the [[Rockomax Brand Decoupler]]. Sometimes "decoupler" is used as a generic term for both types of staging devices, decouplers and separators, because both behave in a similar manner.

== Mode of operation ==
Decouplers remain attached to one section of the vehicle when staged. This asymmetric detachment is the distinguishing feature of decouplers when compared to stack separators, which detach from both sections symmetrically. On many models, the attachment affinity of the decoupler can be determined by an arrow decal that faces away from the section on which the decoupler remains.

Both decouplers and separators do not provide automatic [[Fuel transfer|crossfeed]], and thus isolate fuel consumption within the respective sections.

== Sequencing ==
All actions in the same stage as the decoupler or separator are executed simultaneously, including those on the detached section, even if that section is isolated from all [[command module]]s by the decoupling event itself.

== Types ==
Decouplers exist in both inline and radial designs.

The first unlocked type in [[career]] mode is the stackable [[Radial size|small]] [[TR-18A Stack Decoupler]] and is mandatory for further developing of any part. It is in the first researchable node [[Basic Rocketry]], which means that at the beginning with the career no decouplers or separators are available. The [[sandbox]] mode has already all decouplers unlocked.

[[File:Symmetry.jpg|thumb|The symmetry modifier in the VAB]]
Radial decouplers, such as the [[TT-70 Radial Decoupler]], attach to the sides of a rocket and eject stages horizontally. This can be useful for setting up [[asparagus staging]], among other uses. As the ejection force may not be enough to avoid collision afterwards [[Sepratron I]] can be used to push detached stages away. Those decouplers also allow the usage of the symmetry modifier of the [[VAB]] combined with adding booster stages.

Separators, such as the [[TR-XL Stack Separator]] are a special type of vertical decouplers, which separate from both sides, leaving three crafts: Both sides of the separator and the separator itself. Separators mass slightly more than the similarly sized decouplers. Each one separator and one decoupler cost more than their same sized counterparts. The tiny sized decoupler and separator cost the same.

The [[TT18-A Launch Stability Enhancer]] can also be classified as a decoupler, although one side is fixed to the ground. But the sound effects are similar and they share the same functionality, separating two parts. It was also be officially defined as a decoupler, but was changed into strut.

== Application notes ==

=== Post firing concerns ===
Care should be taken to ensure that jettisoned engines on radial stages have finished burning before detachment, as there is the risk that they will collide with the rest of the rocket. The main reason for that is, that the decouplers are usually placed below the [[center of mass]] of decoupled stages which means that on separation they induce torque pointing the stage “inward”. If the engines are shutdown this is usually not a large problem because the rocket can clear it fast enough, but if they are running they will push the stage inward.

Also the decoupler normally stays on the spend stage the center of mass is closer to the rocket than the [[center of thrust]]. This will also induce torque pointing inwards but this torque is only induced by running engines. If they are stopped they won't induce torque this way. Almost empty booster stages are also relatively light causing a higher acceleration and overtaking the rocket. Both effects cause jettisoned stages which are still running to crash into the rocket in most cases.

Leaving stacked decouplers attached to an engine renders that engine ineffectual. Although the engine will ignite, it will provide no thrust because it's blocked by a part. Jettisoning a stacked decoupler shortly to soon is not a large problem as long as the rocket doesn't rotate.

=== Synthesized separators ===
[[File:TR-18A_Stack_Separator.png|thumb|Synthesized Stack Separator using 2 TR-18A Stack Decouplers. ''(Note the opposing orientation)'']]
It is possible to create a separator out of 2 properly oriented decouplers (at the small expense of additional weight and cost over a bonafide separator).  It may be helpful to include both decouplers in the same launch stage.

=== Explosive decoupling ===
As decouplers and separators have to be developed first, it is not possible to have multiple stages at the first launches of Career Mode. However there is an art of staging by placing [[RT-10 Solid Fuel Booster]]s next to each other, either connected at the side or arranged vertically so the exhaust of the upper booster fires onto the lower (they don't have to be directly joined). The idea is to build up heat through contact and rocket exhaust to cause [[overheating]] resulting in an explosion, decoupling the segments below it approximately when desired, like normal staging. 

KSP YouTuber Scott Manley exploited explosive decoupling for a technique he calls "rocket surgery" describing it as more an art form than a science. Using this he was able to go all the way to [[Minmus]] and return with only [[Start]] technology in his video "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNXTFj3ozNY Kerbal Space Program - 0.22! Lets Do Science! Lots Of Science]".

Although explosive decoupling is possible with other engines, the first decoupler is already in the first research node. The decouplers are the more flexible and reliable staging method and become available before other engines capable of explosive decoupling. So it is particularly useful in the start of the [[career]] mode in {{version|0.22}} when there is no decoupler but the RT-10.

=== As a means of propulsion ===
Because of the physics it is possible to use decouplers and separators as a means of propulsion although usually not for productive usage. Those are called “separator cannons” or “staging cannon”. Since decouplers and separators all have a “decoupler force”, this force can be applied to launch something. The more the explosive force and the less [[payload]] mass in this “decoupler rocket”, the more altitude or speed will be gained from the separation. The [[TR-XL Stack Separator]] is the best candidate because it has the highest ejection force.<ref>“[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idq3sBiVs6M Kerbal Space Program - Decoupler Launching Guide]” on YouTube by Stun_gravy</ref>

== Decouplers ==
{{Stats Table Decouplers}}

== Ссылки ==
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[[Category:Decouplers/ru]]