Mechanical and structural conceptof the ISS microgravity experimentpayload: AtmoFlow

Sammanfattning: This Master Thesis report presents the mechanical concept and design of a microgravity fluid science experiment that is planned to be launched to the International Space Station in approximately five years. Named AtmoFlow, this experiment aims to study the complex flow phenomena occurring in different planets’ atmosphere by implementing a scaled-down model of a planet-atmosphere system in microgravity. The design introduced here focuses on several of the experiment’s systems: the Turn Table, a rotating system involving a Fluid Cell Assembly, a Thermal Control System and two Rotation Drive Systems. Design methods, main choices and crucial conception steps are presented. Components’ dimensioning and choices are motivated. Models and analyses are derived from the selected design to ensure that the design meets the requirements on microgravity disturbances, structural and rotational characteristics stated during previous project’s phases. The Computer Assisted Design model of the experiment’s final concept and its integration sequence are eventually proposed and discussed.