Ortman key
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An Ortman key is a coupling device used to secure two adjacent cylindrical segments of a
rocket motors. An Ortman key is made of elongated rectangular metal bar stock, such as steel
, and is inserted into juxtaposed annular grooves around the circumference of the mating parts. The Ortman key assembly is used in high-pressure applications where packaging, strength and mass are important.
The Edmund key is a common variant of the Ortman key which is similar except has a feature added to the end of the key to aid in extraction of the key from the assembly.