Date of Award

5-6-2024

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Team 02 was tasked with designing and building a platform and remote positioning system for a High Purity Germanium detector at the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center. In September 2023, the group began by inquiring with the sponsor, Dr. Bahram Nassersharif, and customer, Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center, to develop a problem definition. The platform must support and integrate the detector, a thirty liter nitrogen cooling tank and a lead collimator. The positioning system must be remotely operable in all three planes so that the detector’s position can be adjusted during a live experiment. Literature and patent searches were conducted, giving the group a basis for concept formulation. Evaluation of concepts through Pugh and Quality Function Deployment analyses resulted in a proof of concept for remote movement in one direction using a platform translated by a lead screw and motor. Work in the Spring 2024 semester focused on extrapolating the one-directional movement into three directions, improving the control software, and manufacturing the collimator. The final physical build consists of two perpendicular sets of linear rails coupled with a scissor lift and stepper motors. A robust control system code was developed to allow for remote, precise adjustments to the detector’s position. Other aspects integrated into the system include a custom manufactured disc-shaped lead collimator positioned in front of the detector via a support structure that is attachable to the scissor lift. The result is a custom motion platform that allows remote, three directional control of the detector that meets safety and experimental requirements. Further work includes transporting the motion platform to the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center for full-system integration and testing. In addition, exploring the use of a larger motor or a gear system for the scissor lift drive would be beneficial as the load capacity with the current motor configuration is insufficient.

Comments

Team Name: Spicy Water (Team 02)

Company Sponsor:Los Alamos National Laboratory, US Navy and General Dynamics Electric Boat

Document Reference: URI-MCE-CAP-FDR-2023-02

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