cosmic v12/1/09cosmic pre-pdr 1 cosmic ray experiment team cosmic jace boudreaux allen bordelon

Cosmic v12/1/09Cosmic Pre-PDR

1

Cosmic Ray Experiment

Team CosmicJace BoudreauxAllen Bordelon


2

•To build a balloon payload that will measure radiation intensity as a function of altitude up to 100,000 feet and to compare this with electrical conductivity results from team Jupiter. This may have a relationship to electrical conductivity of the atmosphere which could be related to the cause of lightning.

Mission Goal


3

•Measure amount of ionizing radiation in the atmosphere as a function of altitude.

•Distinguish between high and low energy radiation particles as a function of altitude.

•Coordinate results with team Jupiter.•Analyze measured data.

Science Objectives


4

•Design and build an electrical system that can:▫Withstand atmosphere conditions up to 100,000 feet▫Count the number of radiation hits as a function of time▫Measure the energy of a radiation particle as a function

of time▫Monitor temperature and pressure to make sure it is in

range of sensors▫Record collected data and retrieve using a program

Technical Objectives


5

Two Classifications of Cosmic Radiation- Primary

- Any high energy particles originating from outside of earth.

- Secondary- High energy particles that

result from collisions of primary cosmic rays and molecules in the atmosphere.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/HBASE/Astro/cosmic.html

Cosmic Radiation Cascade

Science Background


6

Cosmic Radiation as a Function of Altitude

http://laspace.lsu.edu/aces/teams/2002-2003/FLUX/FLUX.php

Expected Results- As altitude increases,

cosmic radiation increases until a peak is reached

- As altitude increases, energy of the comic rays will increase

Science Background


7

• To measure rate of ionizing radiation in counts/minute as a function of altitude

• To measure the energy of radiation particles as a function of altitude.

Science Requirements


8

• Payload will be attached to a balloon rising at 1000 feet/min

• Altitude will be measured by a separate payload

• Radiation will be measured using a radiation detector.

• Three types of radiation detectors are– Geiger-Muller Counter– Semi-conductor radiation detector – Scintillation counter

Technical Background


9

https://kemifysik.wikispaces.com/file/view/Geigert%C3%A6ller.png/34627667

Geiger-Muller Counter

• When radiation hits, it produces electrons that create a current pulse



10

http://nsspi.tamu.edu/NSEP/basic_rad_detection/semiconductor/image1.jpg

Semi-conductor Radiation Detector• Radiation strikes

semiconductor, producing free electrons and holes proportional to radiation energy

• Free electrons and holes travel to electrodes producing a current pulse



11

http://www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/images/dect2.gif

Scintillation counter • Radiation enters and is absorbed by scintillator crystal and produces light proportional to initial energy

• Photomultiplier tube amplifies this light and produces a current pulse



12

• Take sample rate in counts/minute every 1000 feet. • Store a time stamp and count number for each

radiation count sample. This will require 4 bytes per measurement.

• Condition a voltage value to the range of the ADC (0 to 3 volts) of the BalloonSat for each energy proportional voltage pulse.

• Store a voltage value and a time stamp on the BalloonSat for each energy proportional voltage pulse. It will use 4 bytes per measurement.

Technical Requirements


13

• Convert a current pulse into a voltage pulse.• Payload needs to withstand temperatures between -70

°C and 50°C• Temperature and pressure need to be recorded to

ensure sensors are in a workable range.• Balloon payload should be less than 500 grams. • Payload cannot exceed 3 oz/inch2 on any side

Technical Requirements


14

• PDR – Feb 9th, 2010• Design - System, Electronic, Flight Software, Mechanical

• Pre-CDR – Mar 9th, 2010• Prototyping - Electronic, Flight Software, Mechanical• Data Processing and Analysis Plan

• CDR – Mar 30th, 2010• Finalize Pre-CDR

• FRR – May 4th, 2010• Flight Payload Component Fabrication and Integration• System Testing and Calibration

• Payload Launch – May 25th, 2010• Flight Operations

• Final Presentation – May 27th, 2010• Data Processing and Analysis

Project Timeline


15

Questions?


16

Project Gantt Chart

cosmic v12/1/09cosmic pre-pdr 1 cosmic ray experiment team cosmic jace boudreaux allen bordelon

Documents