Root Cause Analysis for a Gas Generator and Ejection Seat System for Aircraft Applications

The present article focuses on the application of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of brass cartridge cases that fail after proof trials, before batch clearance for acceptance of hardware.The empty cases for proof trials were filled with a nominal mass of explosive and were conducted at elevated (+55 0 C) temperature.However, filled proof trials were conducted with a nominal mass of explosives conducted at (+45 0 C) temperature.Visual examination, wall thickness measurement, chemical analysis, hardness measurement and microstructural study of the base material were undertaken.RCA plays an important role in the design and development cycle of gas generators.Gas generators are installed in aircraft seats as well as on various aircraft platforms to operate different kinds of mechanisms and systems.The novelty in this research is that it is an attempt to carry out the RCA on gas generators pertaining to aircraft applications for seat ejection.The gas generator in seat ejection systems plays a pivotal role in the safe and rapid ejection of the pilot in an emergency situation.The failure of such devices leads to consequences for the launching of various systems.This research paper focuses on the RCA of failure in gas generators for pilot seat ejection for identifying root causes, and solutions for preventive and corrective actions to avoid re-occurrence of such failures in future.