Memorandum To: NASA JPL Education Office From: Sergio L.

. Zaragoza III Mentor: Michael Britcliffe Date: June 13, 2012 Subject: Pre-Arrival Project Plan

Introduction/Background Extensively used throughout the Deep Space Network (DSN)1, Low-Noise Amplifiers are effectively a radio frequency (RF) device that is particularly dependent upon mechanical principles and characteristics. A mechanical engineer working in conjunction with RF engineers can provide particular expertise in advancing methods and techniques related to these devices. Due to the continuous use, and thus wear, on the components of the DSN antennas regular maintenance has to be conducted at the complexes. One of the more critical components is the cryocooler2 which lowers the temperature of the vacuum chamber in which the microwave signals are fed into to cryogenic Low-Noise Amplifier. Maintenance on these devices requires a calibration of the motor and cam shaft (which affects the valve timing) and this depends on the accessibility by the person conducting the maintenance. Historically the specific cryocoolers used had a porthole which was used to access the cam shaft for calibration using a tool developed in house. The manufactures of said cryocooler have since eliminated the porthole on the newer models which creates an accessibility problem for maintenance personnel. Objectives As part of the Applied Electromagnetics group (333K), under the supervision and mentorship of Michael Britcliffe, and under the guidance of senior JPL mechanical and RF engineers, my task is to design, fabricate and test a test fixture to adjust the valve timing on a CTI 350 GiffordMcMahon cryocooler. Currently the division has been machining the porthole on the housing of the new cryocoolers; but that approach is timely, costly, and might even disturb the integrity of
1

"Deep Space Network Home Page." Deep Space Network Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 June 2012. <http://deepspace.jpl.nasa.gov/dsn/>. 2 "Cryocooler." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 21 May 2012. Web. 13 June 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryocooler>.

the housing from a structural mechanics standpoint. Therefore my task is to find a way to be able to adjust the timing valves without having to machine a porthole. Approach Following the industry standard design approach, (1) a fundamental understanding of the problem has to be established, (2) followed by brainstorming and concept designs. (3) From there an optimal concept will be selected and further developed; solid models, analysis, and prototyping will be conducted at this stage. (4) Testing will be conducted and if needed additional re-design and/or modifications will be made. (5) Upon successful test results final product development and manufacturing will be conducted. (6) Documentation and implementation. Outcomes The successful completion on my project would be a great help to the division. Not only would it same them time and money (versus having to machine the housing), but the intended design would also make maintenance easier. The finished product would consist of the test fixture; all drawings, models, and calculations for the fixture; best-practice or JPL equivalent document outlining the use of the fixture. Project Schedule By the middle of week 2, completion of stage 1 & 2. Deliverables: concept designs and preliminary documentation complete. By week 4, completion of stage 3. Deliverables: peer reviewed final design and documentation delivered to the PDMS project documentation archive. Stages 4 & 5: these are goals subject to availability of the required support and technical support.