Optical Mass Gauging System for Use in Microgravity Environments Isaiah Franka Jordan Rath Michael Yeager Abby Wilbourn Brian Lee Azer Yalin

Project Description Existing fluid measurement systems require the use of costly, wasteful and typically ineffective methods to approximate fluid volumes in zero gravity environments. Dissatisfaction with current methods has revealed a need for a more effective and efficient measurement systems. Laser interferometry is a theoretical method of measuring fluid volumes that offers advantages such as reduced weight and increased durability during launch while still providing functionality in a microgravity environment.

Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

Interference Destructive Intermediate Constructive

Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Tabletop Setup

System Layout

Mechanical System Design

Mechanical System

Linear Actuator Driver Electrical System Logic Arduino Nano Master Chip Arduino Duemilanove Linear Actuator Driver Data Storage 32Mbit memory

Fringe to Mass Conversion

Fringe Calculations Change in Optical Path Length ∆𝑚= ∆𝜙 2𝜋 = 𝑙Δ𝑛 𝜆 𝜕𝑛 𝜕𝑚 = 𝜆 𝑙 Lorentz-Lorenz Equation 𝑛 2 −1 𝑛 2 +2 = 4𝜋 3 𝑁𝛼 𝑛= 1+ 3𝐴𝑃 𝑅𝑇 ⟶ 𝑃= 𝑅𝑇 𝑛 2 −1 3𝐴 𝜕𝑃 𝜕𝑛 = 2𝑅𝑇𝑛 3𝐴

Fringe Calculations Combining these two Equations 𝜕𝑃 𝜕𝑚 = 𝜕𝑃 𝜕𝑛 𝜕𝑛 𝜕𝑚 = 2𝑅𝑇𝜆 3𝐴𝑙 Assuming Constant Temperature and constant Molar Refractivity ΔP 1 Δm 1 = ΔP 2 Δm 2 Using Boyle’s Law Δm 𝑟𝑒𝑓 Δm 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 = ΔP 𝑟𝑒𝑓 ΔP 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 = 𝑉 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 + 𝑉 𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 + 𝑉 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑉 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 + 𝑉 𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑉 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑒 = 𝑉 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 + 𝑉 𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 Δm 𝑟𝑒𝑓 Δm 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 −1 𝑉 𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 = 𝑉 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 − 𝑉 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑔𝑒

Testing-Vibrational Environmental Testing Characteristics specified by Wallops: Wallops Flight Facility’s Environmental Test for the RockSat Program has two components: The Sine Test and the Random Test. Sine Test: The Sine Test will vibrate the payload along the thrust axis at no more than 3 in/s. These rates will occur between the frequencies of 10 and 144 Hz. The thrust axis will also see 7G from 144 to 2000 Hz. The sweep rate is 4 octaves per minute. Random Test: The random test will be completed in all three axes: thrust, lateral, and 90 degrees from lateral. The test will begin at lower levels and gradually increase to full level. Each axis will see 20 seconds at full level. Thrust Full Level10 Grms at 0.051 G2/Hz from 20-2000 Hz Lateral and Lateral 90 Full Level: 7.6 Grms at 0.029 G2/Hz from 20-2000Hz

Testing-Vibrational Random Test Sine Test Thrust Full Level 10 Grms at 0.051 G2/Hz from 20-2000 Hz Lateral and Lateral 90 Full Level 7.6 Grms at 0.029 G2/Hz from 20-2000Hz

Lessons Learned There will always be unexpected problems that will impede progress Communication is the key to success There is a large disconnect between the idea world and real world

Questions?