Figure 1: Inverted chassis prepared for hammer testing A roving hammer test is the simplest way to determine natural frequencies of a structure. The structure is tapped with a small hammer, and the resulting frequencies are sensed through instrumentation. It is a bit like striking a bell and sensing the frequency of its vibration by … Continued
The wheel must function after being subjected to launch vibrations. The video below shows that the wheel module doesn’t flex excessively when it is shaken as it will be shaken during launch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FzD-Qgumks If MoonRanger’s wheel module exceeds limits of displacement or stress during its vibration testing, then it won’t be permitted to fly. The … Continued
MoonRanger’s first functioning wheel module has been assembled. Four of these will drive MoonRanger on the Moon. The parts include a strut, bearing, seals, hub, wheel and connectors. The strut is held in bracket with bearing pressed on and seal in place. The cylindrical portion is about the size of a roll of quarters. The … Continued