Performance analysis and system optimization of grabbing positioning and release mechanism of test mass in different operating environments

Grabbing positioning and release mechanism (GPRM) of the test mass (TM) is one of the key components for the inertial sensor of space gravitational wave detection. In this article, the coupling simulation of multi-body dynamics, heat transformer, and electrostatics is established in COMSOL for GPRM at a low release index. We set the simulation parameters in the model and change the end shape of the plunger. Then, we take the release velocity of the TM as the output and obtain the minimum release velocity when it's the combination of full fitting and line contact shapes with the fitting area of 115.481 mm 2 . Also, we establish a simplified kinetic equation to verify the COMSOL model and the influence of five factors, i.e., the axial error of the center holes of the TM, the release time gap of pins, the adhesive strength, temperature, and capacitance effect on the release velocity of the TM is analyzed. Based on the study of the sensitivity of these factors, critical values leading to the release velocity of 5 μm/s are determined, which provides guidance for the technique requirements of manufacturing, assembly, and controlling system.