PAPELL
Pump Application using Pulsed Electromagnets for Liquid reLocation
PAPELL is a technology demonstrator that continues one of Steve Papell’s inventions in a new experiment.
Steve Papell was a NASA scientist who, in 1963, conceived the idea of pumping rocket propellant using electromagnetic fields. To achieve this, he developed a ferrofluid propellant, which he intended to guide to the rocket’s combustion chamber using a strong magnetic field. A ferrofluid is a liquid with magnetic properties. When a sufficiently strong magnetic field is present, the liquid becomes magnetized and flows towards the source of the magnetic field.
We are revisiting this concept and aim to demonstrate a general pumping mechanism that functions without mechanical components. With this idea, we applied to the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) “High-Flyer” competition and were selected as one of three teams to conduct our experiment on the ISS. Further details about the “High-Flyer” competition can be found below.
Our Experiments
The experimental container measures 10 x 10 x 15 cm and consists of two separate compartments.
The first compartment, a grid of electromagnets, demonstrates the feasibility of precisely moving ferrofluids in microgravity using electromagnets. The second part of the experiment investigates whether it is possible to split individual ferrofluid droplets using magnetic fields and then recombine them.
The second compartment consists of a transparent tube system with a three-way valve. This compartment explores the possibility of transporting other (non-magnetic) substances. In this experiment, solids are moved through the tube system by means of ferrofluid droplets. The solids are differently colored spheres, which are sorted by color at the three-way valve within the tube system.
Überflieger
The “Überflieger” competition, organized by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), offers students from across Germany the opportunity to conduct their own experiment on the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment will then be installed and supervised by ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst. From all the applications, DLR experts selected the eight best proposals, and delegations from the student teams were invited to a selection workshop at the DLR Space Administration in Bonn. Here, they presented their experiment ideas and answered technical questions from the expert jury. A total of three experiments were selected for execution on the ISS. After completion, testing, and handover, the students will also have the opportunity to witness the launch of their experiment live on-site in 2018.
The members of the student small satellite group at the University of Stuttgart, “KSat e.V.”, applied to the German Aerospace Center (DLR) with two experiment ideas, STELLA and PAPELL. The PAPELL experiment was ultimately accepted and is now being developed.
“As inhabitants of Earth, we are an island people in space. We are curious and want to understand the ocean around us. And we must, in order to survive as a species.“
Timeline
Brainstorming
Die ersten Überlegungen und Ideensammlungen für das Projekt beginnen, um grundlegende Konzepte und Ansätze zu entwickeln.
Planungsphase
Die Planungsphase beginnt, in der detaillierte Projektanforderungen definiert und die Rahmenbedingungen für die Durchführung festgelegt werden.
Auswahlworkshop
In einem zweitägigen Workshop werden wichtige Entscheidungen über Komponenten und Ansätze getroffen, die die Grundlage für die weitere Entwicklung bilden.
Sicherheitsreview der Phase II
Ein detailliertes Sicherheitsreview wird durchgeführt, um die Ergebnisse der bisherigen Tests zu analysieren und Feedback für die nächste Phase einzuholen.
Raketenstart Richtung ISS
Mit einer Falcon 9 fliegt PAPELL Richtung Internationaler Raumstation.
Start der Experimente
Die Experimente werden im freien Bewegungsbereich gestartet, gefolgt von Tests in einem speziellen Rohrsystem zur weiteren Analyse.
Ferrofluids
Ferrofluids are fascinating materials consisting of tiny magnetic particles suspended in a liquid. These particles are often made of iron or iron oxides and typically measure only a few nanometers in size. The unique property of ferrofluids is that they respond to magnetic fields. When an external magnetic field is applied, the magnetic particles align themselves and create impressive visual effects, ranging from waves to pointed structures.
The discovery of ferrofluids dates back to the 1960s, when they were originally developed for use in space travel. The idea was to stabilize the liquids in gyroscopes used in satellites. Since then, the field of application has expanded considerably. Today, ferrofluids are used in technology, 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 in specific areas of the body in response to magnetic fields. This could potentially facilitate the treatment of tumors by transporting drugs directly to the diseased cells.
We want you!
Has PAPELL sparked your interest? We are always looking for new members!
Whether you are just starting your first semester or are already an aerospace expert, and regardless of what you are studying, we can find an exciting position for everyone in our team. All of our projects are organized into subsystems that are responsible for different areas. If you already know what you are interested in, please contact us!
Participation in PAPELL is no longer possible due to the completion of the project, but there are always subsequent projects that you can join.
PAPELL Subsystems
Project Management
Our all-rounders who hold the project together. They keep an eye on deadlines, manage communication, and organize team events. Experienced association members create the framework for a successful project.
Science
The science team is responsible for developing, testing, and building the pump circuits. We always have to communicate with the other subsystems in order to set requirements and remain within the limits of what is technically possible.
Mechanics
If PAPELL fell apart during launch, a lot of work would have been wasted. To prevent this from happening, Mechanics is developing the structure of our experiments to meet a wide range of requirements, such as strength, tightness, and ease of assembly.
Electronics
This is where the electronic design of the individual experiments and the overall system is carried out. Everything from the power supply and experiment control to data communication and storage is implemented on circuit boards developed in-house.
Software
Both our main computer and our experimental boards run software that ensures experiment operation and communication. The team must address the specific challenges of an ISS mission – if the software doesn’t work, the project doesn’t work.
Gallery
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