Final Project: Linear Air Bearings for Precision Thrust Measurement
This project aims to develop a linear air bearing system using porous carbon material, integrated with a PCB sensor to digitally analyze motion and thrust produced by an electric space propulsion system.
1. Introduction
Air bearings provide a frictionless motion system that allows precise measurements, making them ideal for aerospace applications. This project will focus on using a PCB to capture real-time thrust data from an electric propulsion system.
2. Design & Planning
- Material Selection: High-precision porous carbon for air bearing.
- Fabrication: CNC machining for high accuracy.
- PCB Design: Custom PCB with high-resolution motion sensors.
- Data Processing: Integration with software for digital thrust analysis.
3. Step-by-Step Build Process
3.1 Fabricating the Air Bearing
The air bearing will be designed with a precision-machined porous carbon surface to ensure uniform airflow and low friction.
3.2 PCB Integration
A custom PCB will be developed with embedded motion sensors to track minute displacements caused by thrust variations.
3.3 Testing & Calibration
The satellite’s attitude control system and propulsion system can be tested and calibrated using this air bearing system, providing a near-frictionless environment that simulates the conditions of space for high-precision data acquisition.
4. Applications & Future Scope
- High-precision measurements for spacecraft thrust analysis.
- Calibration of satellite propulsion systems.
- Development of next-generation frictionless aerospace measurement tools.
5. Bill of Materials
| Qty | Description | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porous Carbon Air Bearing | $300 | Supplier Link |
| 1 | Custom PCB with Sensors | $150 | Supplier Link |
| 1 | Compressed Air Supply System | $200 | Supplier Link |