CBL - Campus del Baix Llobregat

Projecte llegit

Títol: Design, development and characterization of a 3D-printed Hold Down Release Mechanism for a CubeSat Mission

Estudiants que han llegit aquest projecte:

Director/a: GUTIÉRREZ CABELLO, JORDI

Departament: FIS

Títol: Design, development and characterization of a 3D-printed Hold Down Release Mechanism for a CubeSat Mission

Data inici oferta: 28-01-2025     Data finalització oferta: 28-09-2025


Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
    DG ENG AERO/SIS TEL
Tipus: Individual
 
Lloc de realització: EETAC
 
Segon director/a (UPC): CASAMOR MARTINELL, ORIOL
Altres: Antonio Marzoa
Departament 2n director/a:
 
Paraules clau:
Small satellites, launch procedures, 3D printing
 
Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats:
A Hold Down Release Mechanism (HDRM) is a mechanical component designed to secure deployable structures, such as solar panels and antennas, during launch and orbital release of Space Systems such as CubeSats.

HDRM ensures compact stowage and prevents movement during the high vibrations and accelerations of launch. Once in orbit, the HDRM enables the deployment of structures essential for the satellite's operation. HDRMs are integral to CubeSat missions, enabling functional expansion while maintaining compliance with strict launch and operational constraints.

The proper design of the mechanism and the characterization of its mechanical behaviour are key elements for acceptance of HDRM for operation. For that reason, several mechanism designs and manufacturing materials are carefully analysed when dealing with such systems. The design will ensure that no mission debris are ejected during the release procedures.

Recent advances in the prototyping of HDRM has been carried out using 3D-printed components and smart materials, allowing efficiency and reliability enhancement.

This Final Degree Project will focus on the design, development and testing of a HDRM for a CubeSat. The student will use input data from a real case provided by the supervisors, to design the HDRM, considering the different requirements of the mission/case.

After numerical analysis of the proposed design (or designs), the student will 3D-print the HDRM, assemble it and test its mechanical performance, checking it with a compliance matrix previously discussed and prepared.

References:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281621099_Results_and_lessons_learned_from_the_CubeSat_mission_First-MOVE/figures?lo=1
https://www.esmats.eu/amspapers/pastpapers/pdfs/2018/mejia.pdf
https://ceias.nau.edu/capstone/projects/ME/2022/22Spr04_GAHDR/documents/PDR.pdf
https://ceias.nau.edu/capstone/projects/ME/2022/22Spr04_GAHDR/documents/Presentation%201.pdf
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20180004164/downloads/20180004164.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319644697_RISK_REDUCTION_AND_PROCESS_ACCELERATION_FOR_SMALL_SPACECRAFT_ASSEMBLY_AND_TESTING_BY_RAPID_PROTOTYPING
 
Overview (resum en anglès):
A Hold Down Release Mechanism (HDRM) is a mechanical component designed to se-
cure deployable structures, such as solar panels and antennas, during launch and orbital
release of Space Systems such as CubeSats.
HDRM ensures compact stowage and prevents movement during the high vibrations and
accelerations of launch. Once in orbit, the HDRM enables the deployment of structures
essential for the satellite's operation. HDRMs are integral to CubeSat missions, enabling
functional expansion while maintaining compliance with strict launch and operational con-
straints.
The proper design of the mechanism and the characterization of its mechanical behaviour
are key elements for acceptance of HDRM for operation. For that reason, several mecha-
nism designs and manufacturing materials are carefully analysed when dealing with such
systems. The design will ensure that no mission debris are ejected during the release
procedures.
Recent advances in the prototyping of HDRM has been carried out using 3D-printed com-
ponents and smart materials, allowing efficiency and reliability enhancement.
This Final Degree Project will focus on the design, development and testing of a HDRM for
a CubeSat. The student will use input data from a real case provided by the supervisors,
to design the HDRM, considering the different requirements of the mission/case.
After numerical analysis of the proposed design (or designs), the student will 3D-print the
HDRM, assemble it and test its mechanical performance, checking it with a compliance
matrix previously discussed and prepared.

© CBLTIC Campus del Baix Llobregat - UPC