Introduction to the design of space mechanisms

First lecture

Theme 1

• Introduction to the course
  
• Example of space mechanisms
  
• Space and the space environment: a general introduction
  

Readings (cf. section Readings and Bibliography below):

[1.1] ECSS-E-ST-10-04C Rev.1 Space engineering - Space environment (first cursory reading)

[1.2] S.K. Solanki et al. "Solar Irradiance Variability and Climate", Annu. Rev. Astron. Astrophys. 2013

Second lecture

Theme 2 - Part 1

Environmental constrains

Effects on equipments  and materials

• Vacuum
  
• Radiations
  

Readings: [2.1a] and, optional, French only, [2.1b]

Third lecture

Theme 2 - Part 2

Environmental constrains (continued)

Effects on equipments and materials

• Radiations (continued)
  
• Vibration and shocks
  

Readings: [2.3] and [2.6]

Theme 3

Systems Engineering (SE), Project Management (PM) and Quality Assurance (QA)

Fourth lecture

Theme 4 - Part 1

Materials

• Material properties
  
• Mechanical properties
  

Readings: [3.5]

Fifth lecture

Theme 4 - Part 2

Materials (continued)

• Thermal properties
  
• Electrical properties
  
• Magnetic properties
  
• Outgassing
  
• Chemical properties
  
• Optical properties
  
• Material selection
  

Readings: [4.5] and [4.7]

Reminder: first part of Mini Project (EE580_MP1) is due today before 16:00!

Sixth lecture

Theme 5 - Part 1

Structures

• Properties and Constrains
  
• Assembly
  
• Mechanical Strength
  
• Deformations
  

Readings: [5.1] (not annexes)

Comments related to the first part of the Mini Project "Understanding of Technical Requirements"

Seventh lecture

Theme 5 - Part 2

Structures (continued)

• Assembly of Structures (bolts, rivets, ...)
  
• Vibrations (oscillator, sine and random vibrations, Miles formula)

Compliant Mechanisms

Eighth lecture

Theme 6.1: Components, Ball-bearings - Part 1

• Introduction
  
• The ball-bearings
  

Readings: [6.1] and [6.5]. Take also a look to the other documents proposed for this theme, including ADR's catalogue [6.2], which includes (like catalogues from other bearing manufacturers) many information for the sizing and selection of bearings.

Nineth lecture

Theme 6.2 Components: The ball bearings - Part 2

Readings: [6.7]

Theme 6.3: Components: Actuators - Part 1

Readings: [6.8]

Easter break (no course)

Tenth lecture

Theme 6.4: Components: Actuators (continued), sensors, ...

Readings: [6.10]

Reminder: last part of Mini Project (EE580_MP3) is due today before 16:00!

Eleventh lecture

3D Printing and Space by Mr. Lionel Kiener, CSEM

Twelfth lecture

Comments about the Mini Project: "Mechanism Concept".

How to start with a space mechanism project? From the requirements to a first concept: a comprehensive example through the Mechanism Concept exercise. Wether or not you have made the Mini Project, there is an interest to be present to the lecture, the lecture being about a practical example on how to manage, as an engineer, a space mechanism project.

Please do not forget to register for the exam on this MOODLE (week 28 April - 4 May here above)!

Deadline: June 6th, 2025, 17:00.

Thirteenth lecture

Theme 7: Reliability

Goals, tools, challenges

• Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
  
• Probability of failure
  
• Mean Time To Failure (MTTF)
  
• Reliability of structures
  
• Limitations, challenges
  
• Cost and Reliability
  

Please do not forget to register for the exam on this MOODLE (week 28 April - 4 May here above)!

Deadline: June 6th, 2025, 17:00.

Note: booked exam slots at the end of the day maybe move to earlier slots in case of empty gaps.

Ascension Day (no course)

Room: ELE 111

Reminder:

• Oral exam through random draw of a general question related to the course. No preparation.
  
• The examinee will present the subject and answer to more specific questions from the examinators, related to the content of the course.
  
• The subjects treated within the exercises can lead to questions during the exam.

The duration of the oral exam is 20 minutes, without any preparation. The exam is closed-booked.