Overview
This step focused on our initial experiments our designs. We designed and ran a few experiments that would help us create and build a prototype.
Major Steps:
-Detailed Experiments/Test Plan and Set Up
- Lab Report
Major Steps:
-Detailed Experiments/Test Plan and Set Up
- Lab Report
Detailed Experiments/Test Plan and Set Up
This is our Detailed Experiments/Test Plans. For our experiments, we wanted to test the durability of our dome, and in order to do so, we set up two test, along with an additional theoretical test. For the first test, our plan was to 3D print dome molds that would be three different thicknesses and mold domes out of ice to drop. And for our second test was to use the dome of optimal thickness (determined by the first test) and blow sand at the dome to simulate Mars' sandstorms. For the theoretical experiment, we would take a sheet of ETFE, activate a wind and gravity simulator to emulate Mars' environment, and change the temperature from -100F to 70F. However, because ETFE is a hard material to come by, and because we don't have the software for a simulator, we were unable to run this test. All these experiments were designed to test how well our dome would hold up under Mars' environment.
Lab Report
This our lab report, which records the findings of our tests. However, due to multiple failures of our 3D prints, we had to alter our tests a little. For the first test, our new plan was to freeze domes and after a certain interval of time, we would drop a rock to test how well our dome would hold up over time. As for the second test, it was mostly the same as the original plan, however this time without input from the previous experiment. The first experiment revealed to us that we need to identify and repair damage as quickly as possible, as small damage exponentially grew to bigger damage. As for the second experiment, we learned that we need to pay attention to the cleanliness of the dome, meaning the dome needs a mechanism to clean the dome periodically to allow optimal sunlight in, and we also need to pay attention to the base of the dome, needing to ensure that the base is strong enough to withstand Mars' sandstorms.
Final Thoughts
Overall, these experiments were very helpful. They gave us insight into what we need to make our dome as safe and functional as possible. I also think we did a very good job designing tests that simulated Mars' environment, and would lead us towards improving our overall design. Despite this, we had a lot of major setbacks. For one, our 3D prints were a massive failure, so after many reattempts, we were left scrambling to figure out what we should do instead. Thankfully, we were able to figure a fine solution to our problem. Secondly, and a huge reason why our 3D prints failed, was the dysfunctionality of the 3D printer. While trying to figure out what went wrong with our prints, we discovered that the 3D printer was broken, and so we became busier attempting to repair it. After realizing that we do not have the skills and funds to fix it, we have chosen to move forward with our project, and postpone its repair. As for now, we are pushing forwards to completing a design defense presentation, which will lead us into building our prototype.