InSPIRESS ReportGrissom High School

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The Question What does the

internal structure of the moon look like?

How can we use this information to influence future missions and research? 2

The Measurements Moonquakes can be studied

to determine the internal structure of the Moon.

Seismometers measure the accelerations during moonquakes.

The differences between

data collected at various points gives clues to the layers.

The submarine Kursk incident.

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The How

Send accelerometers in cartridges to the Moon to record lunar seismic activity.

Cartridges will be launched from the orbiters as they orbit along the circumference of the Moon.

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1. Orbiters house the deployment devices with the cartridges

2. Deployment devices release the cartridges at regular intervals

3. Cartridges land on the surface of the Moon

4. Cartridges are activated by moonquakes and record the data

5. As the orbiters orbit over the cartridges, the deployment devices ping (via radio) the cartridges, which send the data back to the deployment devices for storage and later transfer to Earth

6. Scientists interpret the data and are able to make discoveries about the interior of the Moon

CONOPS

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Aluminum/Titanium Honeycomb Lattice

Titanium/Steel Alloy Accelerometer Cartridge

40mm

80mm

Accelerometer(25mmx17mm)(not scaled)

Power Supply

Transmitting Cable

Data Storage & Transmitter Device

Titanium/Steel Alloy Hull

Cartridge

Layout

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Deployment Device

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Cartridge Launch

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Orbiter

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Orbiter

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Design Process1. Brain Storming2. Calculations3. Design Alternatives4. Re-evaluation and Instructor

Consultation5. Designs Comparison6. Decision Matrix7. Finalization

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Brain Storming Two cartridge designs emerged: a simple

design based off real world models and a more complex design.

Eventually the group decided to go with the simple design.

The design was based off a mortar shell, with an ogive nosecone and a flat backside.

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Calculations Using these physics equations, the

impact velocity, the penetration distance, and deceleration upon impact were calculated.

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Design Alternatives

Problems: Mortar had to land on a specific sideChances of impact survival were slim

Due to the limitations of the original design, the team decided to reconfigure the cartridge.

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Re-evaluation and Instructor Consultation

The team consulted with Dr. Turner and Dr. Benfield.

With the help of the instructors, the team realized that the cartridge would be more practical if it was completely spherical.

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Designs Comparison The spherical design would allow the

cartridge to survive impact by spreading the force of impact over a distance.

The spherical design proved to be more practical and reliable.

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Decision Matrix

Figures of Merit

Circular Design

Zigzag Design

Mass 3 3Volume 1 9Simplicity 9 3# of Cartridges

3 9

Reliability 1 3TOTAL 17 27 1

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Finalization

To help the cartridge survive impact, a metal honeycomb outer shell, as used on Apollo, was added.

To protect the cartridge electronics, an epoxy foam was added to the interior. 2

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Design ProsOmni-directionalHoneycomb LatticeMultiple CartridgesSimple Design

Summary

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