 |
|
|
|
|
News
Weekly Activity Report - April 27-May 3, 2009 |
Highlights of recent developments on the MiniSShot Project
-------------------------------------------------------------
- Richard has (finally) received the two sample batches of phenolic
resin donated by Hexion Corp. The samples are each 3 kg. of SL-594 and
SC-1008 resins. Shipping these across the US/Canada border turned out to
be a lot more challenging (and expensive) than anticipated, as these are
classified as "hazardous goods". The first attempt resulted in the
product being seized and destroyed by customs. Hexion was generous
enough to supply a second free sample, which was successfully sent via
Fedex after filling out much paperwork. Sam Grado is owed a huge debt of
gratitude for his tireless efforts in procuring and shipping the
product, thanks so much , Sam!
- Richard has begun to prepare ablative specimens using the phenolic
resin. It has proven challenging so far, owing to the nature of the
resin which requires a heat cure at a significant temperature. The
following photos show the preparation of two specimens:
Adding chopped glass fibres to the resin:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/resin_glassfibres.jpg
After glass fibres have been fully blended into resin:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/resin_glassfibres_blended.jpg
Phenolic microballons being added:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/resin_phenolicballoons.jpg
Mixture fully blended and ready to be applied onto substrate:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/ablative_final.jpg
Final specimens after curing:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/ablator_specimens.jpg
- Hans reports that he has received Andre's wiring harness and soldered
the RTD's onto it. Hans tested the thermo board with the Main Computer
and the RTD sensors in different environments. Although not intended as
a calibration measurement, the results do suggest a nice linear response:
http://sugarshot.org/downloads/tbtest.gif
(note: Avg T TB = average temperature of thermal board; Avg T MC =
average temperature of Main Computer board)
- Alberto Gassol put a lot of effort into updating the SS2S Showcase
page with several of the latest project photos and videoclips:
http://www.sugarshot.org/gallery/minisshot.html
Looks great, Alberto...!
- Andrew Nowakowski reports that he has begun creating a foam core for
the composite fins.
- Monroe King has completed fabrication of the "stand-off" for the
MiniSShot motor. The stand-off is a machined steel fitting that
transfers the thrust load of the motor through the Forward Bulkhead to
the load cell. Monroe has since begun fabrication of the four aluminum
couplers for the MiniSShot vehicle.
---
More than ever, financial support is needed to allow us to continue to
make great strides forward.
To share in our dream, help by making a contribution to the Sugar Shot
to Space program.
http://www.sugarshot.org/sponsors.html#Donors
|
|
SS2S - Contact:  |
|
Project
Description
