Erin O’Malley
Research Mentor: Jim Raines
Mentor Department: Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, Engineering
Author(s): Michael Hackett
Session: Session 4 (1:00 PM – 1:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 130
Abstract
Facilities in the Solar and Heliosphere Research Group (SHRG) lab, located in the Department of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering (CLASP), are currently being used to test mass spectrometer instruments developed for gathering data on charged and neutral particles originating from both the Sun and Mercury’s exosphere. The Red Chamber is testing ion instruments, like the Triple Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer (TFIPS) that is currently being developed to focus on studying solar wind. Meanwhile, the NMS Chamber is testing different devices that serve similar to those in the Red Chamber, but dealing with neutral instead of charged particles through a custom vacuum system. Through the CAD software Fusion 360, I assist in advancing the capabilities of the group’s facilities as they move forward with the research being conducted. Specifically by modeling the Red Chamber system and its integrated beam source for TFIPS to analyze, future modifications of the design are more easily determined. And for the NMS chamber, custom fixtures designed to hold elements during testing are currently being modeled for future manufacturing. These chambers will supply necessary support to ensure accurate data collection and determine the performance of the instruments being used. Results will advance future space exploration missions around Mercury and the Sun, ultimately expanding our knowledge of the solar system.
