Results
Impact Testing
The impact testing did not reflect the expected results. From Nastram simulations it was expected that there would be a deflection of .5 cm at 2.5 J (the energy at impact).
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While the material properties should have lent the assembly to be more flexible than brittle it seemed that due to 3D printing the assembly was more fragile than expected. Due to the nature of 3D printing the individual filament layers ended up delaminating and chipping off. While this wasn't and expected results the chipping did happen after the expected energy level for impact and therefore shouldn't affect the assembly after impact.
Insulation Testing
The insulation testing is to reflect the period the Cubesat will be in the upper atmosphere. From past balloon launches Dr. Darci Snowden estimates that the assembly will be in the stratosphere for 15 minutes. Therefore the insulation will need to insulate for up to fifteen minutes.
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While the testing done wasn't ideal as all testing supplies were limited to what was available in personal residence and the freezer used was only able to go to 20° F. The thermometer used was a meat thermometer with ± .5 precision. From this testing the team was at least able to determine that the assembly has insulating properties and can keep the internal temperature above the external temperature for 15 minutes.
Figure 2: Insulation testing
Relevance for mounting
In order to ensure that all electronics are secure and able to get accurate data they need to be stable during flight. Therefore the internal paneling needs to be secure in order to ensure everything stays were they are supposed to and that nothing gets damaged by getting lose and getting knocked around.
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During testing the internal paneling did not move at all therefore showing the paper clip method is suitable to hold the electronics.
Figure 1: Impact testing results
Relevance for impact
This testing is to ensure if the assembly falls on a single hard point such as a rock the entire assembly is still functioning and continue to be used. Point impact on the edge of the assembly is considered to be the worst case scenario since it would have the highest impact value and the edge of the assembly is the structurally sound part of the assembly.
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The energy was determined based off the kinetic energy of the cube upon impact which was calculated using the velocity after the parachute has been released. Testing was done using a 10 oz weight at different heights for increasing potential energy levels.
Figure 2: Insulation testing
Relevance for insulation
The temperature range tested was not an accurate test for the actual temperatures the assembly will experience at the altitude the assembly will reach however, it is enough to fulfill the function requirement of insulating at freezing temperatures (32° F) and is able to do so for 15 minutes.
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From data Dr. Darci Snowden has collected in the past has the temperature of the highest altitude being 14° F (-15° C). The temperature difference is 6° and with precision of .5±.
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The purpose for the insulation is to protect the internal electronics. These electrons have a operating range of -30 - 70° C ( -22°-158° F). Therefore the purpose is to optimize the data collected. As long as the cube doesn't go below -22° the electronics will still be able to function.
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Mounting Testing
Mounting is tested on a pass fail bases. Normally the testing would be done using numerous weights to get a safety factor using known weight of the instrumentation. Due to all testing being done at home there are not multiple items with known weights and therefore the weight used is a container of hash browns with a net weight of 4.2 oz. After a call with the producers quality control it was determined that the packing for a single container of hash browns is .066 pounds (1.06 oz) and total weight used for testing is 5.26 oz.
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The hash browns were hung onto the internal paneling and insulation assembly which was then shaken to simulate flight conditions. The paneling did not move at all and therefore passed the mounting test.