Description
The module covers mechanical and thermal issues relevant to spacecraft, including materials, mechanisms, structure analysis, vibration and thermal theory and testing. Topics include:
- Spacecraft configurations - interplay of mission goals, power requirements, attitude system and launch vehicle; mechanical interfaces and sub-systems.Ìý
- Mechanical design - introduction to the mechanical design procedure and its application to spacecraft design.Ìý
- Foundations of stress analysis and mechanics of materials - examples of application to spacecraft structures: beam analysis; frame structure analysis; strut buckling and optimisation; sandwich panels theory and practice.Ìý
- Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - basics of finite element method and application to simple structures; using FEA software.Ìý
- Launch loads - accelerations, acoustic fields, vibrations; calculating load cases and margins of safety.Ìý
- Materials for lightness, space vacuum and the radiation environment - metals, polymers, ceramics and composites. Ìý
- Introduction to vibration theory for space systems - analysis of single degree-of-freedom systems; natural frequency, damping, transmissibility; analysis of multi degree-of-freedom systems; random vibration excitation and response.Ìý
- Testing of space hardware - thermal and mechanical, including vibration and shock. ÌýTypical test specifications; interpretation of measurements; modes of failure.Ìý
- Mechanisms - types of space mechanisms - actuators, stepper motors, pyrotechnics, gear transmissions; kinematics and kinematic design; bearings - sliding, rolling and flexing; lubrication and tribology for space applications; mechanism life.ÌýÌý
Introduction to cryogenics for space and cryocooler technologies.Ìý - Thermal design - Modes of heat transfer. Space thermal environment. Thermal control materials and devices. Thermal design processes, analysis and testing. Impact of space environment.Ìý
Ìý
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
Ìý