Week 6 Progress Report
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Completed analysis of ring segment connection design.
3-D printed prototype of ring segment connection for hardware testing.
All materials for fabricating the final ring segment ordered and arrived.
Researched belt strap and additional material options for waistband seal.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Designed initial concept for ring segment connection design.
Completed analysis on the connection loading.
3D printed ring segment connection prototype.
Completed testing and comparison of different waistband seal configurations on different body types (Jen and Jackie both tested the device with new seal concept - reduction in leakage by 90% for Jackie and 75% for Jen).
Key conclusion: additional material (in this case, a gel pack) placed on the outside of the waistband and secured with a belt strap produced better results than placing the gel pack on the inside of the waistband.
As a result, we can use porous materials as well (safer than gel solution, more long lasting, lighter, easily replaceable, and configurable to different body types)
Decided on placement of waistband material addition: add pouch on belt strap and fill with material of choice (not on neoprene waistband for compatibility with different body types).
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Test multi-layer lay up of a ring segment using new carbon fiber and epoxy. (Jackie)
Plan and test fabrication methods for a curing frame for ring segments. (Jackie and Jen)
Test the strength and fittings of the 3D printed connection mechanism. (Jackie)
Design rope fixture for carbon fiber rings (to connect and secure rings to chamber). (Brian and Jackie)
Order belt strap for waistband and sew on pouch (Jen)
Research and order materials for waistband seal (material to go into the pouch). (Jen)
Research and design options for belt strap connection to existing waistband. (Jen)
Look into the Wire Problem (wires for internal scale and pressure transducer route through the waistband causing unwanted leakage). (Geoffrey)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Dr. Peterson provided input to engineering standards and regulations regarding space flights.
Indicated that gel solution for waistband would be more difficult to get approval because of safety concerns (in person)
Actions taken: redesigned placement of added material to be able to use more traditional and safe cushioning options
Dr. Hargens provided tubings for pressure transducers.
Dr. Hargens provided additional backgrounds on existing designs in LBNP devices.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A
Risks and Areas of Concern
Delivery of carbon composites and epoxy.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
N/A
Schedule
Describe upcoming milestone
Test run fabrication of carbon fiber hoop segment
Test ring segment connection
Obtain materials for second iteration of waistband seal prototype and test
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
$217.5 spent this week. $282.68 spent in total.
$2,217.32 remaining.
Progress on Report and Webpage
First Draft of Report completed: more than 50% of all section content finished.
First Draft of Website completed: rough draft/outline of home page published
Take more pictures of device and progress
Figure out organization of detailed results (graphs, calculations, etc.)