NMT Space Launch Spring 2013Joseph MacGillivray (Lead), Levi Magnuson, Lloyd Puckett, Karen Quezada, Sam Chesebrough, Jaclene Gutierrez, and Cameron Lucas

Background and Objective Purpose

Study the little-known effects of the atmosphere and space on piezoelectric sensors using structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques.

ImportanceSHM could significantly reduce cost of satellite launches by reducing pre-flight testing time and localized damage detection of loose bolts and cracks.

SolutionThe team will launch SHM experiments on High-Altitude Balloon and Sub-Orbital Rocket. This proof-of-concept flight will pave the way for SHM integration on commercial and defense satellites.

Data will be collected before, during, and after flights to ascertain the structural state of several key points on the experiment.

WirelessCollect Wireless

Four wireless strain gauges Sensors read/report strain, temperature, and

pressure changes during launch

Future Work

March 2013 Professional Journal Paper Review Final Data Analysis - Balloon

April 2013 Sub-Orbital Rocket Launch Preliminary Data Analysis - Rocket

Conclusion Previous Work – Design & Prototype Complete Objective – Codify Space Environment Effects Product Specifications – Survive & Collect Data Program Plan – Suborbital Launch in Spring Results – Structure, Wireless, and SHM

Results – Balloon Launch

ImpedanceCollect Sensor Data

Corresponds to sensor’s resistance to motion Data plots Impedance (Ohms) vs. Frequency (kHz)

• Acknowledgements: Dr. Zagrai, Chris White, Ben Cooper, Jon Schlavin

Figure 2: Previous Experiment

Wave PropagationCollect Signal Data

Corresponds to wave propagation of signal (change) Data plots Voltage (V) vs. Time (µsec)

Descent (7 m/s, 0.4 Hr)

Ascent(5 m/s, 1 Hr)

3-4 Hours

Release

Balloon Release

Chute Deploy

Landing

•Troposhpere

•0 to 11 km•15oC to -55oC

•Tropopause•11 to 20 km•-55oC

•20 km & up•-55oC to -46oC•Stratospher

e

Figure 1: Balloon Launch Profile (Left), Rocket Launch Profile (Right)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 1001400

1600

1800

2000

2200

2400

2600

2800

Time, usec

Am

plitu

de, V

Timetrace of Sensor 102mm from center: 500kHz signal

ActuatorS2

Figures 4: Sensor Plate, Metis HubTouch, Sensor Data

Background

Precursor Experiment launched Spring 2011

Collected data demonstrated that quantified space

environment effects SHM data.

Further analysis was required, spawning this year’s

experiment.

Previous Work

Wireless Wireless proof-of-concept success

Impedance Microcontroller issue prevented useful data WID3 unfit for continued use

Wave Propagation Successful proof-of-concept; confirms known

physics

Figure 5 shows Temperature dependence for pulse-speed propagation. These shifts will need to be accounted for in the suborbital data analysis.

Figures 5: Life-Cycle Wave Propagation Data

Figure 3: Prototype Canister Design

Wireless Hub Plate

Impedance Sensors

Design

Wave Sensor PlateWave Hub Plate

Impedance Hub Plate