Figure 1
Figure 2
Payload performance tests_ Category headings are bolded_
| Payload performance testing | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Name | Aim | Process | Min. Duration | Outcome | Output |
| Mechanical | |||||
| Static load | Ensure payload can withstand static load. | ≥15 lb of static load applied to each axis of the chassis (x, y, z) for 2 min | 2 min, per axis | Each axis was photographed before/during/after weight application; no deformation or destruction of the capsule is observed. | Photo |
| Accelerative load and shock | Ensure payload withstands flight g-loads and shock. | 30 g (×2 nominal peak acceleration) applied in the form of static load force (i.e., ×30 the weight of the object) to each object. | 50 ms | To incorporate the Acceleration Load and Shock tests into the Static Load test, 30 lbs of static load was tested on each axis. | |
| Vibration | Ensure hardware can perform in a vibration environment. | Periodic vibration, 7.85 g at 50 Hz applied via Vortex Mixer (VWR, 3000 rpm/4.9 mm orbit), and a qualitative assessment of damage or displacement. | 1 min, per axis | No changes (damage, shifting, debris) occur over the course of several minutes. Note: This test is not directly comparable to a random vibration environment. | Video |
| Thermal | |||||
| Touch-temperature | Ensure payload has minimal thermal effect on neighboring experiments. | Temperature of external faces of chassis sampled by IR-camera (FLIR C3, FLIR Systems) with all heat-generating electrical systems running for 30 min. | 30 min, or until temp. plateau | External temperature leveled at 26.7°C and 31.7°C, respectively, with electronic heating systems and battery run a maximum performance for 30 min (simulating an electronic “loss of control,” reaching an internal temperature of 53.3°C). | Temp. time course |
| Other | |||||
| Flammability | Ensure non-ignitable or self-extinguishing properties. | Prolonged exposure to an open flame, simulating an electronic or battery short. | 1 min | Foam held over open flame is shown to self-extinguish with minimal shape change or expansion; corroborated by technical data sheet for material. | Video |
| Fragmentation (Point-of-Force) | Ensure minimal particulate in case of payload fragmentation. | Weighted chisel (6 lb) dropped from 1 m onto the chassis, head-on and top-down video used to document the size and amount of particulate generated. | n/a | Foam in contact with the sharp edge broke into multiple pieces but produced minimal dust. Much of the module stayed intact, components remained in place, and the specimen compartment deflected blow without damage. | Video |
Experimental module weight allotment_ Category headings are bolded; in-line bolded values represent the summed weight (g) of the components within that category (listed below the heading), followed in parenthesis by the weights’ percentage out of the of the maximum weight limit_ The total experimental module weight was 439_6 g, with 59_4 g of unallotted weight remaining_
| Maiden flight 2U payload module characteristics (L = 102 mm, W = 102 mm, H = 200 mm) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Bulk weight | Unit | Amount | Unit | Weight (g) |
| Housing components | 146.6 (29%) | ||||
| Foam housing (not including coating) | 0.096 | g/cm3 | 1,226 | cm3 | 117.7 |
| Paint coating | 16.0 | ||||
| Silicon straps | 6.45 | g | 2 | pcs | 12.9 |
| Electronic and video components | 211.4 (42%) | ||||
| GoPro Hero5 Session | 72.3 | g | 1 | Pcs | 72.3 |
| Lens | 40.6 | g | 1 | pcs | 40.6 |
| Battery | 37.0 | g | 1 | pcs | 37.0 |
| Wires | 20.0 | g | 1 | pcs | 15.0 |
| USB connector | 12.0 | g | 1 | pcs | 12.0 |
| Lens assembly | 10.0 | g | 1 | pcs | 10.0 |
| NeoPixel Ring LED light | 6.2 | g | 1 | pcs | 6.2 |
| Custom connector board | 6.0 | g | 1 | pcs | 6.0 |
| Feather Adalogger | 5.5 | g | 1 | pcs | 5.5 |
| Heating pad | 3.8 | g | 1 | pcs | 3.8 |
| Sensors board (temp and humidity) | 3.0 | g | 1 | pcs | 3.0 |
| Bee compartment | 81.6 (16%) | ||||
| Acrylic compartment (including lid) | 1.185 | g/cm3 | 50 | cm3 | 59.3 |
| Beeswax | 20.0 | gr | 1 | pcs | 20.0 |
| Worker bees | 0.113 | gr | 10 | pcs | 1.1 |
| Queen bee | 0.193 | gr | 1 | pcs | 0.2 |
| Solid sugar fondant | 1.0 | gr | 1 | pcs | 1.0 |
| Total weight | 439.6 (88%) | ||||
| Max. weight | 499.0 | ||||