Projeto e implementação de método de teste de deflexão por fadiga para mecanismos de direcionamento de feixes de manufatura aditiva para aplicações espaciais

Abstract

Space observation drives the development of the aerospace industry. The SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research has developed a new technique to characterize the energy absorption function of far infrared optical detectors and instruments, called Breadboard Energy Absorption Interferometry for Far Infrared and Terahertz (BEATRIZ). To achieve the mechanical movement required to apply this method, it is necessary to use a precision positioning device, called a beam steering mechanism (BSM). This work manufactured and run tests on a 3D printed compliant beam steering mechanism proposed for BEATRIZ by other researchers. After an investigation of current BSM technologies through bibliographic research, a new test method was proposed, designed, and a proof of concept was built to address deflection under high-cycle operation in precision pointing devices. Using a Systems Engineering approach, a wide range of options were analyzed, contemplating all phases of the project’s life cycle, from stakeholder needs, until the finished product is obtained. From the stakeholder analysis of the mechanism, this project was able to define a set of requirements for the new testing method, and fix some of the limitations found in previous works, to deliver an overall improved solution to this engineering problem. The implemented testbench met the proposed requirements providing deflection fatigue test capabilities of 2.1428 𝝁�𝒎� resolution, 1.435 𝒎�𝒎� maximum range, and 6000 cycles per hour. The new test method could answer that the mechanism proposed by other researchers meets its deflection requirements using PLA material, as opposed to ABS material, which underperformed the PLA sample on cycle 175,000 by 55.4%