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April 11, 2011

NES: NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Spacecraft Structures

Presented by: Kristy Hill

Spacecraft Structures

NASA Engineering Design Challenges

Syllabus

• Activity Overview• NASA Connection• Teacher Preparation• The Design Challenge• Modifications and Extensions

What you’ll find inside

National StandardsPhysical Science◦ Motions and forces◦ Transfer of Energy

Science and technology◦ Abilities of technological design

Science as inquiry◦ Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

Value to the Teacher• Easy to navigate• Supports content standards• Background, resources, and masters

Value to Students• Based on a real-world problem• Use creativity, cleverness, and scientific

knowledge• Develop presentation and

communication skills

Let’s Pause for Questions

Please type your questions in the chat!

NASA Connection

Why is it important to make the launch vehicle as

lightweight as possible?

[Type responses in the chat]

Background• NASA’s use of lightweight, strong

materials for launch vehicles• Focus on thrust structures• NASA’s history of testing rockets

Which vehicle is the shortest?a) Saturn Vb) Space Shuttlec) Ares Id) Ares V

B. Space ShuttleB. Space Shuttle

Which vehicle has the least weight at takeoff?

a) Saturn Vb) Space Shuttlec) Ares Id) Ares V

Launch Vehicles

Launch Vehicles

The Challenge:

• Build the lightest weight thrust structure that will withstand the force of launch to orbit at least three times

Definition:

• Launch to orbit = propelling a 1-liter bottle of water approximately 1-meter into the air

Comparing rockets

Comparing rockets

If it costs $10,000 to lift a pound (half a kilogram) of payload into

orbit, calculate the cost of sending yourself into space.

(Sharing is optional)

Thrust Structures

Thrust Structures

Thrust Structures

What are some ways NASA engineers could make a

launch vehicle as lightweight as possible?

[Type responses in the chat]

Design Constraints• Use only the specified materials• Must be taller than 5 centimeters• Must allow space in the center for fuel

lines and valves (represented by 35mm-film canister without lid)

Let’s Pause for Questions

Please type your questions in the chat!

Teacher Preparation

Time and Materials• 4-8 hours of prep time• Six 45 minute class periods• Build the launcher and rocket• Materials for classroom activity

Teacher Kit• Kit available from NASA CORE at

http://core.nasa.gov

Let’s Pause for Questions

Please type your questions in the chat!

The Design Challenge

Engineering Design Process

Classroom Sessions• Session 1: Introducing the Challenge and

Getting Started• Session 2: Design 1• Sessions 3 and 4: Designs 2, 3, 4, 5• Session 5: Storyboard/Poster• Session 6: Student Presentations

Design and Result Sheets

Let’s Pause for Questions

Please type your questions in the chat!

Modifications and

Extensions

Brainstorm Board

Customizations

• Allow modifications of cardboard• Allow repairs • Increase the rocket mass• Design with alternative materials• Limit designs by cost (budget)

http://neon.psu.edu

Keep inspiring your students.

NASA always needs workers interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics.

NASA Explorer Schoolshttp://explorerschools.nasa.gov

Thank you to the sponsor of tonight's Web Seminar:

This web seminar contains information about programs, products, and services offered by third parties, as well as links to third-party websites. The presence of a listing or such information does not constitute an endorsement by NSTA of a

particular company or organization, or its programs, products, or services.

http://learningcenter.nsta.org

http://www.elluminate.com

National Science Teachers AssociationDr. Francis Q. Eberle, Executive Director

Zipporah Miller, Associate Executive Director Conferences and Programs

Al Byers, Assistant Executive Director e-Learning

LIVE INTERACTIVE LEARNING @ YOUR DESKTOP

NSTA Web SeminarsPaul Tingler, Director

Jeff Layman, Technical Coordinator