Background
For this project we were tasked with creating a helmet of our choice using the Autodesk Fusion 360™ 3D modeling program. We had to complete research regarding the safety and physics behind how helmets work.
Design Sketch and Model
doc_dec_22_2017_at_9-51_am.pdf |
Materials
Materials:
Numerous raw materials are used for constructing a spacesuit. Fabric materials include a variety of different synthetic polymers. The innermost layer is made up of a Nylon tricot material. Another layer is composed of spandex, an elastic wearable polymer. There is also a layer of urethane-coated nylon, which is involved in pressurization. Dacron—a type of polyester—is used for a pressure-restraining layer. Other synthetic fabrics used include Neoprene that is a type of sponge rubber, aluminized Mylar, Gortex, Kevlar, and Nomex.
Beyond synthetic fibers other raw materials have important roles. Fiberglass is the primary material for the upper body. Lithium hydroxide is used in making the filter which removes carbon dioxide and water vapor during a space walk. The battery that powers the suit is made from a silver zinc blend. Plastic tubing is woven into the fabric to transport cooling water throughout the suit. The shell of the helmet is made from a polycarbonate material . Various other components make up the electronic circuitry and suit controls.
Numerous raw materials are used for constructing a spacesuit. Fabric materials include a variety of different synthetic polymers. The innermost layer is made up of a Nylon tricot material. Another layer is composed of spandex, an elastic wearable polymer. There is also a layer of urethane-coated nylon, which is involved in pressurization. Dacron—a type of polyester—is used for a pressure-restraining layer. Other synthetic fabrics used include Neoprene that is a type of sponge rubber, aluminized Mylar, Gortex, Kevlar, and Nomex.
Beyond synthetic fibers other raw materials have important roles. Fiberglass is the primary material for the upper body. Lithium hydroxide is used in making the filter which removes carbon dioxide and water vapor during a space walk. The battery that powers the suit is made from a silver zinc blend. Plastic tubing is woven into the fabric to transport cooling water throughout the suit. The shell of the helmet is made from a polycarbonate material . Various other components make up the electronic circuitry and suit controls.
Safety
Safety Standards:
-Besides covering a spacewalker's head, the helmet has a Vent Pad. This pad directs oxygen from the Primary Life Support Subsystem and Hard Upper Torso to the front of the helmet. The helmet keeps the oxygen at the right pressure around the head. The main part of the helmet is the clear plastic bubble.
-The bubble is covered by the Extravehicular Visor Assembly. The visor is coated with a thin layer of gold that filters out the sun's harmful rays. The visor also protects the spacewalker from extreme temperatures and small objects that may hit the spacewalker.
-Besides covering a spacewalker's head, the helmet has a Vent Pad. This pad directs oxygen from the Primary Life Support Subsystem and Hard Upper Torso to the front of the helmet. The helmet keeps the oxygen at the right pressure around the head. The main part of the helmet is the clear plastic bubble.
-The bubble is covered by the Extravehicular Visor Assembly. The visor is coated with a thin layer of gold that filters out the sun's harmful rays. The visor also protects the spacewalker from extreme temperatures and small objects that may hit the spacewalker.
Functionality
Extra Functionality:
-The main part of the helmet is the clear plastic bubble.
-A TV camera and lights can be attached to the helmet.
-The main part of the helmet is the clear plastic bubble.
-A TV camera and lights can be attached to the helmet.
Concepts
Key Scientific Concepts:
ACCELERATION: change in speed over a period of time; the higher the acceleration, the faster the change in speed. For example, if a car goes from 0 miles per hour (mph) to 60 mph in 2 seconds, it is a higher acceleration than if the car goes from 0 mph to 40 mph in 2 seconds. Acceleration is a rate of change of speed; NO change means NO acceleration. If something is moving at constant speed, it is NOT accelerating.
COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION: measurement of the level of friction embodied in a particular material. The formula is μ = f/N, where μ is the coefficient of friction, f, is the amount of force that resists motion, and N is the normal force. Normal force is the force at which one surface is being pushed into another.
CRUMPLE ZONES: areas of an object designed to deform and crumple in an impact, as a means to absorb the energy of a collision. The fronts of most automobiles are designed as crumple zones to protect the passengers from frontal collisions.
DRAG: term used in fluid dynamics that is sometimes referred to as air resistance or fluid resistance. Friction is one of multiple factors that influence the amount of drag encountered by a body moving through a fluid such as air or water.
INERTIA: when an object remains still or moves in a constant direction at a constant speed.
G FORCE: a force acting on a body as a result of acceleration or gravity, informally described in units of acceleration equal to one g.
FRICTION: force that resists motion when two objects or surfaces come in contact.
FORCE: causes masses to accelerate; they are influences that cause a change of movement, direction, or shape. When you press on an object, you are exerting a force on it. When a robot is accelerating, it does so because of the force its wheels exert on the floor. Force is measured in units such as pounds or newtons. For instance, the weight of an object is the force on the object due to gravity (accelerating the object towards the center of the earth).
KINETIC FRICTION: (or dynamic friction): occurs when two objects are moving relative to each other and rub together (like a sled on the ground).
ACCELERATION: change in speed over a period of time; the higher the acceleration, the faster the change in speed. For example, if a car goes from 0 miles per hour (mph) to 60 mph in 2 seconds, it is a higher acceleration than if the car goes from 0 mph to 40 mph in 2 seconds. Acceleration is a rate of change of speed; NO change means NO acceleration. If something is moving at constant speed, it is NOT accelerating.
COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION: measurement of the level of friction embodied in a particular material. The formula is μ = f/N, where μ is the coefficient of friction, f, is the amount of force that resists motion, and N is the normal force. Normal force is the force at which one surface is being pushed into another.
CRUMPLE ZONES: areas of an object designed to deform and crumple in an impact, as a means to absorb the energy of a collision. The fronts of most automobiles are designed as crumple zones to protect the passengers from frontal collisions.
DRAG: term used in fluid dynamics that is sometimes referred to as air resistance or fluid resistance. Friction is one of multiple factors that influence the amount of drag encountered by a body moving through a fluid such as air or water.
INERTIA: when an object remains still or moves in a constant direction at a constant speed.
G FORCE: a force acting on a body as a result of acceleration or gravity, informally described in units of acceleration equal to one g.
FRICTION: force that resists motion when two objects or surfaces come in contact.
FORCE: causes masses to accelerate; they are influences that cause a change of movement, direction, or shape. When you press on an object, you are exerting a force on it. When a robot is accelerating, it does so because of the force its wheels exert on the floor. Force is measured in units such as pounds or newtons. For instance, the weight of an object is the force on the object due to gravity (accelerating the object towards the center of the earth).
KINETIC FRICTION: (or dynamic friction): occurs when two objects are moving relative to each other and rub together (like a sled on the ground).
Report
Research Report/Reflection:
Before I started designing my helmet, I had to research the physical model designs of an astronaut helmet. I found the safety standards and functionalities of the helmet design. (www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/spacesuits/home/clickable_suit_nf.html). Then, I made a base model for a racecar helmet using a tutorial to help me with the basics of the program Fusion 360. Then, I needed to create the base shape, a hollow sphere. I had to make hinges and a collar for the helmet. After this I reviewed the STEM website's key concepts and how they worked with the helmet, along with the required materials. (www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Spacesuit.html). The helmet is not designed to take impacts, but rather to shield the user from the harsh environment in space. This includes a sunshield to protect the user's eyes, and an airtight seal to keep oxygen in. The different materials used in the helmet create a stronger and more durable suit.
Before I started designing my helmet, I had to research the physical model designs of an astronaut helmet. I found the safety standards and functionalities of the helmet design. (www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/spacesuits/home/clickable_suit_nf.html). Then, I made a base model for a racecar helmet using a tutorial to help me with the basics of the program Fusion 360. Then, I needed to create the base shape, a hollow sphere. I had to make hinges and a collar for the helmet. After this I reviewed the STEM website's key concepts and how they worked with the helmet, along with the required materials. (www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Spacesuit.html). The helmet is not designed to take impacts, but rather to shield the user from the harsh environment in space. This includes a sunshield to protect the user's eyes, and an airtight seal to keep oxygen in. The different materials used in the helmet create a stronger and more durable suit.