MAPLE Launch Tube Design
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Magellan Aerospace is developing the Multipurpose Autonomous Penetrator for Lunar Exploration (MAPLE) with the objective of confirming the presence of water ice in a permanently shadowed crater of the moon. For this mission, Magellan requires a launch device that will support MAPLE on its journey to the Moon via a host spacecraft and will deploy MAPLE once it reaches the targeted area in lunar orbit. The student team has been tasked with the design of said device. During the launch from Earth, the structure is required to support itself and MAPLE against a quasi-static acceleration applied in all six orthogonal directions. At the target location, the structure is required to deploy the 10kg MAPLE 45° away from the host spacecraft at linear and angular speeds of at least 1.5m/s and 1 rev/s, respectively. The mass of the device must be kept to a minimum, and all components used must meet requirements related to surface resistivity, outgassing, magnetism, and venting. The team began the project by analyzing the needs, target specifications, and constraints provided by the client. After this, the team developed and presented five potential concepts to the client, two of which were chosen for further optimization: the "Expansion Piston" design, which uses an expanding gas to propel MAPLE, and the "DNA" design, which uses a spring. The team performed preliminary analysis on the "Expansion Piston" design, including structural calculations for yielding and buckling, and an investigation into how the gas would expand in the vacuum of space. Basic 3D models for the tube and piston components were created and transmitted to the client. Insight into problems faced, as well as ideas for potential improvements to the "Expansion Piston" design, are included in this report. The "DNA" model was selected as the main design, receiving complete analysis and detailing as requested by the client. Detailed structural analysis and optimization for weight savings was performed using finite element analysis verified by hand calculations, and is provided in this report. Where possible, commercial parts were specified to reduce in-house design and manufacturing. Preliminary engineering drawings of all non-commercial parts, as well as a bill of materials, were produced at the client's request and are shown in this report. The final design of the "DNA" model has a total mass of [missing value]. It is designed to support itself as well as MAPLE during the launch from Earth in compliance with the required safety factors. All original and purchased parts meet material requirements. The designed launch tube deploys MAPLE at a linear speed of [missing value] and angular speed of [missing value]. All requested deliverables were produced and are either included in this report or transmitted separately to the client.