Abstract: A pyrotechnic cutting device (14) is designed for directly cutting one or two parts (10) made form a nonmetallic material, such as a composite material. The device (14) comprises a pyrotechnic expansion tube (16), which acts on the part or parts (10) to be cut by means of a cutting member (32). This member can act in the manner of a punch or single or double shears. It can also be deformable or non-deformable. In the former case, the cutting member (32) can be integrated into the part (10) during its manufacture, particularly when said part is made from a composite material.

Abstract: A provisional linking and pyrotechnic separation device is placed between two assemblies made from nonmetallic materials such as composite materials. Prior to separation, parts belonging to each of the two assemblies are fixed to one another, either by direct bonding of the parts to one another, or by bonding a linking part to the parts. The device includes a pyrotechnic expansion tube acting directly on one of the parts to be separated. A precise, clean and well localized separation of the assemblies consequently takes place during the use or operation of the pyrotechnic expansion tube.