This position may have additional semesters if the allocation of further funding is available. Most positions involve 40 hrs/week during the summer and 10-20 hrs/week when classes occur. The guaranteed semesters for this position are:
Summer 2022
Fall 2022
Spring 2023
Summer 2023
Fall 2023
Spring 2024
Description
For this project under leadership of the Colorado School of Mines, we at MTU are developing an attachment for a rover to be built by Lunar Outpost that will compact layers of lunar sand and dust using vibratory needles. This will result in a site preparation for a lunar landing pad construction where the underlaying sand and dust needs to by compacted to 90% relative density over a large area within a given time.
Tasks
Design, build, and test vibratory compaction device for a moon rover.
Work independently and communicate results with lab and stakeholders.
Analyze vibration data to determine optimal compactor configuration.
Test compaction device in lunar regolith simulant (atmospheric, vacuum).
Qualifications
Recommended Majors
Mechanical Engineering
Required
You must be a U.S. person.
Commit to a 2-year NASA research grant.
3D Printing Experience
Machine Shop Experience (including CNC Mill and lathe)
Data Analysis Experience
Data Collection Experience
CAD Experience
Independent worker.
Preferred
Experience in collection of vibratory data.
Experience in producing reports on collected data.