(Commenced: 01-Jan-2007,Concluded: 12-Dec-2007)
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This
project encompasses the continued design of the satellite initiated by Fenton
and Tiedemann in 2006. Identification of subsystems and background
investigation initiated the design in the previous year providing a platform
for further research. This year’s work involves a complete feasibility study
of each satellite subsystem in order to achieve an understanding of the tasks
involved in satellite design. The primary goal of the project is ambiguous
and a large amount of time has been spent reaching an appreciation for what
level of design can be achieved. The initial project specification intended
for a more complete design of satellite systems however the feasibility study
identified a general shortage of mechanical engineering applications in this
area of design and thus a need to refine the direction of the conceptual
design phase. A
complete conceptual design solution of selected satellite systems thus
followed and centred on the mechanical engineering issues related to the
project. Focus was placed on developing the satellites electrical power
generation and structure, including deployment mechanisms. This direction
maximised the level of mechanical engineering design issues. This phase of
the project allowed for sufficient understanding to apply a systems approach
to furthering design of the structure and mechanisms of the satellite. The
led to the design and construction of structural prototype complete with
solar cell array and deployment system which successfully integrated
subsystems developed in the conceptual design phase. The prototype was
developed to demonstrate a working solar panel deployment mechanism and test
for electrical power generation capabilities and structural integrity under dynamic
and thermal loads. Project DeliverablesImage Galleries: |
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