FINIX
Ferrofluid Implementations for Next generatIon eXploration
Our project FINIX is part of the REXUS cycle 33/34 of the German-Swedish student program REXUS/BEXUS. The goal of this experiment is to test further space applications of ferrofluid.
Ferrofluid consists of a carrier liquid, such as oil or water, and iron particles suspended in it, which allow the ferrofluid to be moved with magnets. This property of ferrofluid is particularly useful in space applications as it reduces the number of moving parts required and decreases friction and wear.
If everything goes according to plan, our experiments will launch in 2025 with a REXUS rocket from northern Sweden, building upon the successful flights of our previous ferrofluid projects PAPELL and FARGO. Currently, our third ferrofluid project, FerrAS, has already had a successful launch in March 2024, and the conclusions drawn from it will also be incorporated into the experiments.
Our experiments
Electrical Switch
The first part of the experiment is an electrical switch. Two electrical contacts are connected by Galinstan, an electrically conductive liquid metal. By turning an electropermanent magnet on and off, a droplet of ferrofluid can be moved to a position where it interrupts the flow of electricity. This allows large electrical currents to be switched without moving parts. A similar electrical switch was already tested as part of our FARGO project, but the version in this experiment uses an alternative liquid combination and newly developed electropermanent magnets, which are to be tested in microgravity for the first time.
Ferrofluid Pump
The second part of the experiment is a pump that uses ferrofluid to move a secondary liquid. In this pump concept, neodymium magnets, which are moved by electromagnets, are used as pistons and valves. The ferrofluid on the magnets reduces friction and seals the pump. This concept is similar to the displacement pump from our FerrAS project, but it uses two channels instead of one to move the secondary liquid. Theoretically, this doubles the maximum possible pumping rate, while the number of moving parts remains the same.
REXUS 34
The REXUS/BEXUS program is carried out within the framework of a bilateral agency agreement between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA).
The Swedish share of the payload is made available to students from other European countries through collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). EuroLaunch, a partnership between the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) and the Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) of DLR, is responsible for campaign management and the operation of the launch vehicles.
Experts from DLR, SSC, ZARM, and ESA support the student teams with technical assistance throughout the entire project. REXUS and BEXUS are launched from the SSC Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden.
Interested?
The REXUS / BEXUS program offers the opportunity to test experiments in microgravity as a student team in an annual cycle.
A visit is worthwhile!
Timeline
Selection Workshop DLR
In November 2023, we participated in the selection workshop of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). After a pre-selection, we were invited to present our project. Our presentation convinced the jury, and we advanced to the next phase of the selection process.
Decision on Selection for the REXUS Program
In December 2023, we received the official confirmation that our project "FINIX" was selected for the REXUS program. This decision allowed us to test our experiments aboard the REXUS rocket.
PDR (Preliminary Design Review)
In February 2024, the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) took place. We presented our well-prepared documents and passed the first major review without any issues. At this point, our experiments were still in an extensive testing cycle to optimize the design.
CDR (Critical Design Review)
The Critical Design Review (CDR) in June 2024 marked a decisive point in the development of "FINIX." The CDR was accompanied by a design freeze, which meant that all experiment components and mechanical interfaces had to be finalized by the presentation.
IPR (Integration Progress Review)
In August 2024, we conducted the Integration Progress Review (IPR). We were able to convince a jury from DLR and the Center for Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) at the University of Bremen with functional experiments in our club workshop.
EAR (Experiment Acceptance Review)
In November 2024, the Experiment Acceptance Review (EAR) took place. This review served to confirm the readiness of our experiments for integration into the REXUS rocket.
Integration Week
In December 2024, we will travel to Bremen for the integration of our flight hardware. At ZARM, we will integrate our experiments into the REXUS payload and prepare for the upcoming tests.
Bench Test
In January 2025, we will conduct the bench test. This test serves to verify the functionality of our experiments under realistic conditions and ensure they meet the requirements of spaceflight.
Launch Campaign
In March 2025, we will participate in the REXUS launch campaign at the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. Our experiments will be launched aboard a REXUS rocket, allowing us to perform valuable tests in microgravity.
More about this topic
Ferrofluids
Ferrofluids are fascinating materials composed of tiny magnetic particles suspended in a liquid. These particles are often made of iron or iron oxides and typically have a size of just a few nanometers. The unique property of ferrofluids lies in their ability to respond to magnetic fields. When an external magnetic field is applied, the magnetic particles align, creating impressive visual effects that can range from waves to sharp structures.
The discovery of ferrofluids dates back to the 1960s when they were originally developed for use in space applications. The idea was to stabilize the fluids in gyroscopes used in satellites. Since then, the range of applications has significantly expanded. Today, ferrofluids are used in engineering, medicine, and art.
In engineering, ferrofluids are often used in seals and loudspeakers to control vibrations and reduce noise levels. In medicine, they could be used in targeted drug delivery by concentrating at specific locations in the body in response to magnetic fields. This could potentially facilitate the treatment of tumors by transporting medications directly to the diseased cells.
We are looking for you!
Has FINIX sparked your interest? We are always looking for new members!
Whether you’re just starting your first semester or are already a spaceflight expert, and no matter what you’re studying: We have exciting positions for everyone in our team. All our projects are organized into subsystems that are responsible for different areas. If you already know what you’re interested in, feel free to contact us!
Participation in FINIX is no longer possible due to the upcoming end of the project, but there are always subsequent projects where you can join in.
FINIX subsystems
Project Lead
Our all-rounders who hold the project together. Here, deadlines are kept in check, communication is managed, and team events are organized. Experienced club members create the framework for a successful project.
Science
The development, testing, and construction of the switch and pump are the tasks of the Science Team. Science must always communicate with the other subsystems to set requirements and stay within what is technically feasible.
Mechanics
If FINIX falls apart during launch, much work would have been in vain. To prevent this from happening, the Mechanics team develops the structure of our experiment, ensuring it meets various requirements such as strength, tightness, and ease of assembly.
Electronics
Here, the electronic design of the individual experiments and the overall system is carried out. On self-developed circuit boards, everything from power supply to experiment control, data communication, and data storage is implemented.
Software
Both on our main computer and on our experiment boards, software runs that ensures the operation of the experiments and communication. The team must address the unique challenges of a REXUS mission – if the software doesn’t work, the project doesn’t work.
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