High-Level Project Summary
The separation mechanisms used in today's rocket systems have been examined from open resources. Damage to the avionics and payload during separation seen in pyrotechnic systems, uncontrolled power to the vehicle, and replacement of the separation system before each launch are among the problems encountered frequently today. With the designed Electromagnet Separation System (ESD) electromagnets, the docking and separations are provided. Electromagnets, which are calculated to be efficient in wide temperature ranges encountered in space, are placed in a mutual separation system in pairs. ESD can be controlled by magnetic force and this system can separate smoothly.
Link to Project "Demo"
Link to Final Project
Detailed Project Description
The ElectromagnetSeparation System (ESD), developed by the Andromeda team, contributes a smooth and controlled separation in the release processes of rockets, unlike the systems used today. The systems used are disposable and accordingly, time and cost are lost if they are changed. In addition, the inability to control the power in these systems causes hard and vibrating separations, the emergence of high temperatures, and permanent electronic and mechanical component damage because of these events.
Two main electromagnets are used in the ESD. A 50mm high electromagnet with an outer diameter of 150mm was designed in line with the difficulty requirements. In order to increase the attraction power of the designed electromagnet, an iron core with an inner diameter of 66mm was placed. As a result of the final design, an electromagnet that can operate at 12 Volts and 1.61 ampers (19.27 Watts) and can carry 2943 Newtons (300 kg) in atmospheric conditions (g=9.81 m/s^2) has been obtained. As can be seen in the modeling of the designed separation system, two main electromagnets placed on both sides will be polar opposites with the change of current direction. Using these two main electromagnets, the system has 5886 Newtons of attraction and repulsion power by using the design's ability to be polarized as a pull-push. The ESD is surrounded by an insulating material to prevent the avionics system from being affected by the magnetic field.
ESD, which is capable of solving the hard and damaged separation problems that can be caused by uncontrolled power, without pyrotechnics, ensures that the pulling and pushing power is constantly under control with the current-volt control, and the smooth and undamaged separation can be achieved successfully even at 600 kilograms and in space conditions.
Space Agency Data
During the design process, NASA's existing separation systems were examined, the working principles of these systems were analyzed, and their positive and negative aspects were determined. The separation system was designed considering the difficulty requirements and analysis results.
During the design process of this system, in which electromagnets are used, the use and conditions of use of electromagnets used in spacecraft, one of the open-source codes, were examined.
Hackathon Journey
The Andromeda team completed the Space Apps Challenge by following the work-time schedule it had planned. With teamwork, We learned how to solve problems in a limited time. Studies have been done on rocket mechanics and aerodynamics. The optimum behavior required in space was calculated and the design of the device was made accordingly.
The high level of creativity in line with the qualifications and interests of the team members was effective in the selection of the Challenge. Selected members have previously worked on the design and mechanical integration and are experienced. While developing the mechanism design, it was designed in such a way that it can be completely reused in terms of efficiency by providing optimum resistance against difficult conditions that may occur in space.
Problems experienced during the Challenge were resolved by correct time management and by getting help from the helpful resources given in the bibliography. The mistakes made were determined and these mistakes were not repeated in subsequent studies.
References
Videos Links
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GY4m022tgo
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyOtIsnG71U
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws6AAhTw7RA
Resources Links
- https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-levitation-and-how-does-it-work-2699356#:~:text=Quantum%20levitation%20as%20it%20is,track%20designed%20for%20this%20purpose
- https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.longdom.org/open-access/effect-of-temperature-on-electric-current-magnets-and-electromagnet-0976-4860-1000167.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjZk_KL0KzzAhVRNuwKHcrtDS0QFnoECAQQBg&usg=AOvVaw3aMEPQlwQOUKtKS97FAmR5
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levitation
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_levitation
- https://sciencing.com/science-magnets-kids-5895999.html
- https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/parachute_results.html
- https://www.nasa.gov/feature/electromagnets-offer-tantalizing-options-for-satellites/
- https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2020/ip_8.html
Tags
#andromeda , #spaceapps , #nasa , #Turkey , #gtu , #magnet , #sleeplessness
Global Judging
This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.

