P14651 Project Description Background Microgravity is a condition in which objects experience the effect of floating from a relative perspective Microgravity can be simulated near Earths surface for brief periods of time by putting objects in a state of freefall and eliminating all ID: 307538
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "the Rochester Institute of Technology" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
![Design Project Management: Boeing Underwater Robotic Technologies [R13201]](https://thumbs.docslides.com/720325/design-project-management-boeing-underwater-robotic-technologies-r13201.jpg)
Slide1
the Rochester Institute of Technology microgravity drop tower
P14651
Project Description
Background:
Microgravity is a condition in which objects experience the effect of ‘floating’ from a relative perspective. Microgravity can be simulated near Earth’s surface for brief periods of time by putting objects in a state of freefall and eliminating all forces, except gravity. One method of achieving this is with the use of a ‘drop tower’.
Purpose / Goal:
The team was given the task of designing and building a microgravity drop tower to be used for educational and research purposes at RIT. The drop tower design must drop two objects simultaneously within a vacuum environment, while tracking one objects descent to calculate standard gravity. The tower must be fun, educational, easy to operate and aesthetically pleasing.
https://edge.rit.edu/edge/P14651/public/Home
Release Mechanism
Laser Tracking System
Structural Frame
Pump
Vacuum Chamber & Energy Dissipation
Design Achievements
Requirements
Drop two objects simultaneously with zero lateral velocity
Center objects consistently under laser sensor
Support a maximum object weight of 0.23kg (~0.5lb)
Be removable and adaptable
Solution
Used an Arduino Uno microcontroller to actuate servo motors.
Connected the servos to doors via a 3:1 gear ratio. This ensured that the doors were quick enough to allow the objects to fall simultaneously, while strong enough to hold the max object weight.Used sloped doors with custom geometry to center the object. Made the mechanism adaptable and removable by using screws to hold all the parts together (no glue).ResultsObjects fell simultaneously with zero horizontal velocity.The door geometry centered the objects consistently.The doors were able to hold all tested objects. The mechanism proved to be quite adaptable and easily removable.
Laser Distance Sensor
MICRO-EPSILON ILR 1030-8, laser class 2Measuring range of up to 8 meter w/ 10 millisecond response timeCircuit w/ ResistorPowers laser & converts signal from current to voltageData Acquisition Device (DAQ)Takes laser analog voltage data and sends signal to computer via USBLabview ProgramAllows user to select chamber environment (Atmosphere – Vacuum)Uses data signal to display graph of object’s position vs timeAllows user to save data for further analysis ResultsAble to capture entire object descent Measures Standard Gravity (9.81 m/s2) within 1% Error
Customer & Sponsor:
Dr. Satish
Kandlikar
Faculty Guide:
Charlie Tabb
Team Members:
Dustin
Bordonaro (ME) Yoem Clara (ME) Jacob Gray (ME) Adam Hertzlin (ME) Santiago Murcia (ME)
Dr. Satish Kandlikar
Charlie Tabb
Santiago Murcia, Yoem Clara, Dustin
Bordonaro
, Jacob Gray & Adam
Hertzlin
Vacuum Chamber
Schedule 40 clear PVC pipe
0.15m (6in) diameter
2.7m (9ft) tall
Catching Mechanism
Polystyrene bead filled sackAbsorbs energy dissipated by falling objectsStandRemovable 0.20m (8in) tall standSupports any stationary vacuum experimentsResultsAllows full view of dropFull absorption of energy from falling objects Adaptable for non-falling experiments
VP6 CPS two stage Vacuum Pump6.25 CFM at 60 HzUltimate vacuum pressure of 23 micronsWeldless BulkheadConnection allows for vacuum hose to be connected though the bottom polycarbonate capSeals against each side of plate via gasketDigital Vacuum GaugeMeasures pressure from atmospheric to vacuum Piping systemMinimizes pressure leak rate ResultsSystem reaches ultimate pressure in 10 – 12 minutesFull integrated system reaches ultimate pressure of 150 micronsFull system leak rate of less than 150 microns per minute
Demonstrates standard local gravityDrops two objects simultaneouslyAllows for full drop visibilityEducational and inspiringMobile and stable structure Aesthetically pleasingAllows further static experiments
Allows for adjustable pressureDisplays tower pressure Appropriate tower heightProvides safe and intuitive operationDrops objects with no horizontal motionAllows objects to be changed outAdaptable for a future continuous lift mechanism
Drop Tower FrameBackbone of the microgravity drop towerSupports vacuum chamber in a stable, upright positionUses height adjusters at base to level the entire structureFacilitates easy transportation via wheels, once tipped backSwing out brackets at base of tower allow for added stabilityFrame lays level when placed horizontally during transport and can be pushed flush against a wall during operation
Pressure Conversions
1 Atmosphere equivalent to:
14.7 psi
101.325
kPa
760 Torr
760,000 microns