Tangará

Campinas, São Paulo | Let It Go (Without A Bang)

S.E.S.S.D. (Soft Electromagnetic Stage Separator Device)

High-Level Project Summary

Devices currently used for spacecraft separation can be used only once and generate large impact (or shock) loads, so they need to be replaced every turn, making it impossible to test the part that will operate in space, requiring extra safety protocols.​A device was then developed that uses electromagnetism to separate the two parts of a spacecraft, in addition to being able to be tested before being launched into space and used many times.​This is important because, in addition to avoiding the generation of waste in the disposal and manufacture of the device, it prevents the explosion generated by pyrotechnic devices from causing damage to other sensitive systems.​

Link to Project "Demo"

https://1drv.ms/p/s!AndTKInAohhPmyyJo4lZY_Dgv2yE?e=KzIqJR

Link to Final Project

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Fg9omJxqpE_-qdk3z7yJCDUwat9gOqFj?usp=sharing

Detailed Project Description

Our device consists of 4 electromagnets and components machined from SAE 1045 steel. As it is entirely made of the same material, the coefficient of thermal expansion will be the same for the moving parts, and for that reason, its expansion is evenly distributed throughout.


Its operation is based on electromagnetism, not using pyrotechnic charges and high impact systems: in the first case, when electromagnets have different poles, they attract each other with a force of approximately 60 pounds. When we reverse the polarity of the electromagnets on one side of the device, they repel each other with the same force, opening the moving parts that support the entire charge and thus releasing the pin connected to the other stage.​


It can be pre-tested and reused in a simply way, without major maintenance.


To develop this prototype, we used 3d modeling and simulation software called Creo Parametric 5.0. We would also like to implement the device control process, however, due to limited time, we were unfortunately unable to finalize.


We hope to further develop this device and validate its operation in the future, with the aim of creating a completely safe and autonomous system.



  •    Volume: 41 cm3​


  • Mass: 0.324 kg​


  • Area: 251.354 cm2


  • Supported Strength (per unit): 20.36 kN


  • Power consumed: 24v * 0.06 A * 4 = 5.76W


Space Agency Data

All the data we take into consideration for the estimations were taken from NASA documents and publications. These can be found on the references.




Model reference to our device:


Hackathon Journey

Our experience with Space Apps was fun and amazing; it was the busiest 48 hours of our lives. We researched a lot and used the most of our creativity.

We learned about the different ways to separate a spaceship, about materials that can be used in its composition, and we learned mainly to work in a team and to make an original job.

Our team consists of mechatronics students, passionate about NASA, and with a great interest in project development. When we found out about this challenge, we knew it was for us.

First, we looked for a project that was aligned with our interests. After choosing our challenge, we started searching documents and resources available on NASA’s website and other external sources. After understanding how the main device works, we brainstormed to try to conclude about how to create a device with the same functions, but without the problems that already exist. After we decided on these issues, we organized ourselves, separated the tasks and finally started to carry them out.

Our main challenge was related to the time we had to develop our project and carry out our tasks. We maintained communication and dialogue all the time, and that is the reason why we were capable to adapt well to adverse situations during the process.

First, we would like to thank our families who have always supported us in our activities. We would also like to thank the Brazilian scientist, Ivair Gontijo, who inspired us a lot through his journey to NASA in his book “A caminho de Marte”, which brought us great interest in this subject.

References

  • Modeling: Creo Parametric 5.0
  • Analisys: Creo Simulator Lite
  • Calculation:
  1. Book BEER, F. P. & JOHNSON JR, E. R., Resistência dos Materiais, 1a. ed., Makron
  2. Books, São Paulo, 1982
  3. BEER, Ferdinand P.; JOHNSTON Jr, E. Russell; DEWOLF, John T.; MAZUREK,
  4. David F. Estática e Mecânica dos Materiais. Mc Graw Hill,. São Paulo, 2013
  5. GERE, James M.; GOODNO, Barry J.. Mecânica dos Materiais – Tradução da 7a Edição Norte-americana. Ed. Cengage Learning.
  6. HIBBELER, R. C. Mecânica Dinâmica 10 ed. São Paulo: Pearson Education do Brasil.
  • Inspiration:
  1. Separation Device Launches New Science Payloads
  2. Pyrotechnic System Failures: Causes and Prevention
  3. DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF THE GMI LAUNCH LOCKS
  4. Shape memory alloy (SMA)-based launch lock
  5. Book: "A caminho de Marte" – GONTIJO, Ivar.

Tags

#hardware, #spacecraft, #separation, #electromagnetism

Global Judging

This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.

Let It Go (Without A Bang)

Letting things go in space, or separating spacecraft parts, is often a violent, high-shock event. Your challenge is to design a mechanical separation device that can cut a parachute reefing line, a bolt for an adapter ring, or a cable, or release two parts from each other smoothly in space without pyrotechnics.