Difference between revisions of "Decoupler and separator"

From Kerbal Space Program Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Types: +care for radial decouplers to avoid collisions afterwards;)
m (Types: +comparison of mass and price;)
Line 2: Line 2:
  
 
== Types ==
 
== Types ==
Decouplers, like the [[Rockomax Brand Decoupler]], remain attached to one side of the rocket. That direction can be determined by a small arrow facing away from the side it stays attached to. 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.
+
Decouplers, like the [[Rockomax Brand Decoupler]], remain attached to one side of the rocket. That direction can be determined by a small arrow facing away from the side it stays attached to. 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.
  
 
[[File:Symmetry.jpg|thumb|The symmetry modifier in the VAB]]
 
[[File:Symmetry.jpg|thumb|The symmetry modifier in the VAB]]

Revision as of 18:45, 4 October 2013

Decouplers are parts that separate stages of craft either vertically or radially. They don't transfer of liquid fuel and oxidizer automatically, preventing that the upper stages are drained first. All commands in the same stage as the decoupling are executed too, even when they are on then detached stages without a command module or above the decouple command (but in the same stage!).

Types

Decouplers, like the Rockomax Brand Decoupler, remain attached to one side of the rocket. That direction can be determined by a small arrow facing away from the side it stays attached to. 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 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. Particular care must be taken to ensure that jettisoned engines have finished burning before, as there is the risk that they will collide with the rest of the rocket as they continue to accelerate.

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.

Decouplers

Image Part Radial size Cost
(Funds)
Mass
(t)
Max. Temp.
(K)
Tolerance
(m/s)
Tolerance
(g)
Ejection impulse
(kgF∙s)[Note 1]
TT-38K.png
TT-38K Radial Decoupler Radial mounted 600 0.025 2 000 8 50 250
TT-70.png
TT-70 Radial Decoupler Radial mounted 700 0.05 2 000 8 50 260
TT38K flat.png
Hydraulic Detachment Manifold Radial mounted 770 0.4 2 000 8 50 450
TD-06.png
TD-06 Decoupler Tiny 150 0.01 2 000 6 150 50
TD-12.png
TD-12 Decoupler Small 200 0.04 2 000 6 150 100
TD-25.png
TD-25 Decoupler Large 300 0.16 2 000 6 150 150
TD-37.png
TD-37 Decoupler Extra large 375 0.36 2 000 6 150 200
TS-06.png
TS-06 Stack Separator Tiny 215 0.01 2 000 6 150 50
TS-12.png
TS-12 Stack Separator Small 275 0.05 2 000 6 150 100
TS-25.png
TS-25 Stack Separator Large 400 0.21 2 000 6 150 150
TS-37.png
TS-37 Stack Separator Extra large 500 0.48 2 000 6 150 200
  1. In the game the values are without unit, but by the physics their "missing unit" is equal with 1 kgF∙s.