Description
In this step we started to really break our project down in separate components and figure out all the details. The assignments described below outline the parts of this step that we used to more fully develop our Mars habitat. This step also included more individual work. There were multiple tutorials that I did on Onshape to help me refine my CAD skills. I had used to software before, but I became even more confident in using it. After I completed all of the tutorials, I had enough knowledge to be able to create a model of the habitat. I also used Onshape to create a mold that we can 3D print and use to create a model ice dome.
3 Design Possibilities
In this assignment we took our classification scheme to the next level. We created detailed sketches of the 3 designs that we had put together. Some of these sketches were done in orthographic and perspective view. We included descriptions of each of the designs, as well as dimensions. This was a tool that we used to help us pick which design we would use for our final project. I can't upload a copy of this as it is bigger than 10MB due to all the images and I'm not paying to upgrade to the pro version.
Final Revised Proposal
This was an edited version of our initial project proposal. We revised this document approximately 5 times. This assignment gave an overall description of our project. It includes all the background information that is necessary to understand why we designed the habitat the way it is, all the objectives that we want to meet, the timeframe of the project, our budget, the developmental process that we will go through, prototype drawings, the results from the surveys that we conducted, all other solutions that are being brainstormed in relation to living on Mars, and the scientific concepts that went into the initial phase of developing our habitat.
Decision Matrix
We used the decision matrix to assign numerical values to our 3 concept designs to help us decide which one should be our final design. We made a list of the most important elements that are going into this project, and gave them a weight value depending on how much we valued them. For example, stable breathing gas was more important than being easy to transport. We then ranked each of the designs on how well they did in each of those categories. The design that had the highest score at the end was mostly concept 3, so that was the final design that we decided on.
Life Cycle Assessment
The life cycle assessment got into the details of every part of the habitat. We researched all of the materials that would be needed to make the habitat and how they would be manufactured. Every detail of the different parts of the habitat had to be thoroughly described. One of the parts that we spent the most time writing about was the impact on the environment. We were able to determine that it would have a minimal impact on Earth's atmosphere due to carbon emissions from manufacturing. There would only be a minor impact on the Martian landscape. For this assignment, we had to write a 32 page report, as well as making an infographic.
Detailed Experiments
This assignment involved coming up with experiments that we could use to test our design. This was difficult, as it is impossible for us to build an actual Mars habitat to test. We can't even build a small prototype as we are unable to obtain aerogel or ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. However, we are able to obtain ice, even if it isn't actual Mars ice. We were able to design experiments to test the strength and structural integrity of an ice dome, as well as designing a theoretical simulator for ethylene tetrafluoroethylene.
Reflection
My group did a much better job of staying on track this time. Despite starting the project weeks behind, we were able to fully catch up at one point. This was due to us learning how to better divide up the work and complete things quicker. Instead of all of us discussing one part of the project, we would divide and conquer, with each person researching and working on a different part of the assignment. We also did a good job of adapting to returning to in person school. Even though 3 of us are in person and 1 is online, we have still been able to work together as a team.
One thing that we could do better is communicate with our mentors more. One of our mentors has stopped replying to us, which is understandable because she's probably busy. However, we could still put in more of an effort to reach out to our other mentor. This would be helpful to get feedback on our different assignments, so we would maybe not have to redo them so many times.
One thing that we could do better is communicate with our mentors more. One of our mentors has stopped replying to us, which is understandable because she's probably busy. However, we could still put in more of an effort to reach out to our other mentor. This would be helpful to get feedback on our different assignments, so we would maybe not have to redo them so many times.