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InSPIRESS Report. Grissom High School. The Question. What does the internal structure of the moon look like? How can we use this information to influence future missions and research?. The Measurements. Moonquakes can be studied to determine the internal structure of the Moon.
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InSPIRESS Report Grissom High School
The Question • What does the internal structure of the moon look like? • How can we use this information to influence future missions and research?
The Measurements • Moonquakes can be studied to determine the internal structure of the Moon. • Seismometers measure the accelerations during moonquakes. • The differences between data collected at various points gives clues to the layers. • The submarine Kursk incident.
The How • Send accelerometers in cartridges to the Moon to record lunar seismic activity. • Cartridges will be launched from the orbiters as they orbit along the circumference of the Moon.
CONOPS • Orbiters house the deployment devices with the cartridges • Deployment devices release the cartridges at regular intervals • Cartridges land on the surface of the Moon • Cartridges are activated by moonquakes and record the data • As the orbiters orbit over the cartridges, the deployment devices ping (via radio) the cartridges, which send the data back to the deployment devices for storage and later transfer to Earth • Scientists interpret the data and are able to make discoveries about the interior of the Moon
Cartridge Layout Aluminum/Titanium Honeycomb Lattice Transmitting Cable 40mm Titanium/Steel Alloy Accelerometer Cartridge Data Storage & Transmitter Device Power Supply 80mm Accelerometer (25mmx17mm) (not scaled) Titanium/Steel Alloy Hull
Design Process • Brain Storming • Calculations • Design Alternatives • Re-evaluation and Instructor Consultation • Designs Comparison • Decision Matrix • Finalization
Brain Storming • Two cartridge designs emerged: a simple design based off real world models and a more complex design. • Eventually the group decided to go with the simple design. • The design was based off a mortar shell, with an ogive nosecone and a flat backside.
Calculations • Using these physics equations, the impact velocity, the penetration distance, and deceleration upon impact were calculated.
Design Alternatives • Problems: • Mortar had to land on a specific side • Chances of impact survival were slim • Due to the limitations of the original design, the team decided to reconfigure the cartridge.
Re-evaluation and Instructor Consultation • The team consulted with Dr. Turner and Dr. Benfield. • With the help of the instructors, the team realized that the cartridge would be more practical if it was completely spherical.
Designs Comparison • The spherical design would allow the cartridge to survive impact by spreading the force of impact over a distance. • The spherical design proved to be more practical and reliable.
Finalization • To help the cartridge survive impact, a metal honeycomb outer shell, as used on Apollo, was added. • To protect the cartridge electronics, an epoxy foam was added to the interior.
Summary • Design Pros • Omni-directional • Honeycomb Lattice • Multiple Cartridges • Simple Design