POD DESIGN

CURRENT VERSION

VERSION 1.2.5

Following NASA's feedback in our last presentation (12/11/20), we decided to modify our design further. Full-scale compartments would create more weight, which takes away from the limited mass we are able to utilize for supplies. Additionally, finding a proper method of entry would be difficult with some compartments closed off. Thus, we decided to create bars for the supplies to be attached to, similar to the methodology of the Progress rocket.
The bars are strategically placed so that we may be able to center the heaviest supplies, while keeping the lighter supplies flush with the sides of the pod. Our design allows for much customization, to fulfill any of NASA's needs as the project progresses.

External Structure

Following suggestions from both NASA and Mr. Hayes (2/1/21), we also discussed points of entry for astronauts to access the pod’s contents. Without knowing exactly how the substantial forces could dent or impede opening the pod’s hatch, it was hard to create a singular point of entry that would palpably be unaffected to the point of tangible operation. Thus, we decided on a design with multiple access points. This way, if any of the points were to become damaged beyond viability, there would still be other surviving means of access, as they were deliberately placed to allow for the highest chance of serviceability.

PRECURSORY DEVELOPMENT

Precursory Development

NASA HUNCH mentors initially suggested that we look into the structure of the Dam-busting bombs of World War II, which closely resembled our elastic collision model. It was also suggested to look into the landing of the Apollo Lunar Lander, and how it used the Lunar regolith to its advantage.

Structural Proposals

Structural design was a primary concern in the beginning of the development of the pod. With the focus being on the pod's survivability, we looked into several structural concepts that could help the pod to succeed. As our research progressed, however, we realized that modifications to the structure of the pod were not necessarily the priority. We shifted our focus to material research and analysis.

MATERIAL ANALYSIS

A suggestion of significance given by the NASA HUNCH mentors was that of using some sort of titanium for the base shell of the pod. We found that Grade 5 titanium (Ti–6Al-4V) provided several beneficial aspects. Despite being somewhat less dense that both pure titanium and Grade 3 titanium, it expresses both a higher tensile strength and lower thermal conductivity, both of which are desirable traits when it comes to the survivability of the supplies within the supply pods.

An issue we must account for is extreme heat as the kinetic energy of movement converts to thermal energy upon impact. Ceramic matrix composites (CMC's) exhibit material properties that could help to curb the effect of such heat. They maintain their strength at higher temperatures, and have excellent corrosion resistance. Not to mention, they're exceedingly lightweight – a desirable trait so as to save the poundage for the supplies being sent to the Lunar surface.

Another issue to account for is the heavy force of the impact, and potential deformations made into the surface of the pod, potentially damaging the supplies within the pod. Carbon fiber composites are known to both retain and improve the ultimate tensile strength, effectively promoting impact protection.

PREVIOUS MODELS

VERSION 1.1.3

In version 1.1.3, we had decided to take a layered approach.
The model's initial layer, which would hypothetically come into contact with the Lunar surface first, is made of a ceramic matrix composite. The secondary layer is made of a carbon fiber composite. The third layer, the base shell, is made of Grade 5 titanium microalloyed with up to 0.537% iron. The idea is to protect against heat with the initial layer, then impact with the second layer. The third layer, of course, is to provide structure and strength to the pod.

VERSION 1.2.0

In version 1.2.0, we moved on to compartmentalizing the interior of the pod design.
At this point, we began utilizing the more complex aspects of the CAD program, Autodesk Fusion 360, so that we could be better able to highlight the materialistic layers as opposed to before.
The intent with this design was to lessen the amount of unpredictable movement within the pod caused by shifting masses upon impact(s). Of course, the compartments would be interchangeable to suit NASA's demands, and made of a lightweight fabric material so as to cushion the effects of the impact as well.

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