Final Project
Wax-based propellant Research Demo
In Space Enabled, we are researching how wax can be used as a propellant in space. There's been mutiple experiments in parabolic flight and low earth orbit, and next year we will be sending another experiment to the ISS.
We're actively working on these cool models, but we only have the flight models. These are delicate and often in the facilities of our partners, so we don't actually have a physical demonstration in the lab. We've wanted to have a benchmark to test against or a model to make fixes in-house.
I will be using this class to create a desktop version that can be used to test different wax and have a local benchmark to be able to do experiments. In addition, this will be useful to explain and demonstrate the research to visitors.
Ideally, it will be able to run two separate cylinders to have a heated an unheated version.
Parts:
Cilinder: Transparent polycarbonate cilinder that can hold at least 1kg of wax. Ideally, it can be interchanged easily (quick release) and adjust for other tube lengths. Even better, to have a valve system that allows to easily fill it up.
Heater: Heating element controlled with a PID.
Thermocouples: To read the temperature of the wax and do the feedback loop on the PID.
Tubeholder: Allow free rotation of the cylinder. This requires a slip ring to allow for the rotation of the wires. Ideally adjustable for different lengths of tube.
Transmission: Gears to transmit the power from the motor.
Motor braket: Adjustable to different gears and motor shafts
Motor: DC motor with encoder/hall sensors for speed control
Motor driver: Allow for speed/torque control and enconder/hall sensor
Camera: to record the annulus formation
Camera bracket: to position correctly, adjustable for different camera
Microcontroller: to control display, camera, motor, heater and temperature sensors. Migh need a microcontroler separte for the cameras. Internet connection to allow for camera information and upload new programs.
Display: to show current parameters for motor, heater, temperature, time stamp and possibly other information. Menu to change modes and select preexisting programns/ramps.
Buttons: to control display
Structure: Hold everything together. Able to mount to work table. Allows for certain amount of portability.
Power source: to power everything