Apparatus for Testing Vacuum Torsional Dampers

A laboratory apparatus called a "vacuum damper investigation and performance evaluation robot" ("V-DIAPER") affords capabilities for vacuum dynamic testing of torsional dampers. The apparatus was developed for original use in testing torsional dampers (rotary viscous dampers) that are destined to operate, in vacuum, as parts of rotary solar-panel-deployment and antenna-deployment mechanisms on spacecraft. The V-DIAPER can also be used to perform vacuum dynamic testing of torsional dampers designed for terrestrial use in vacuum or in air.