6 DOF Solid Rocket Motor Thrust Stand The Florida Space Authority and Florida Institute of Technology

1. 6 DOF Solid Rocket Motor Thrust Stand The Florida Space Authority and Florida Institute of Technology Florida Institute of Technology Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department UPDATED: December 17, 2007

2. Forward Structure Aft Sensing Assembly Bolt pattern for Aerotech motor Bolt pattern for Super Loki Concrete Anchors Aft Sensing Assembly Base Plate I-beam Base Structure Thrust Stand Major Components Space Florida / Florida Institute of Technology

3. Motor Single Axis Sensors Tri-Axial Force Sensor Thrust Stand Major Components Space Florida / Florida Institute of Technology

4. Capable of Testing Motors up to 12 inches in diameter Motor outer diameter Threaded sensor rods allow adjustment to accommodate several rocket diameters. Lock nuts prevent rods from moving after adjustment Motor outer diameter Ball transfers reduce axial friction and eliminate shear stress on sensors Space Florida / Florida Institute of Technology

5. Preparation for Test Space Florida / Florida Institute of Technology

6. 6 DEGREE OF FREEDOM ROCKET MOTOR THRUST STAND • Thrust stand contract completed • 10,000 lb capability • Measurement of all 6 degrees of freedom using state-of-the art piezoelectric instrumentation • Many successful motor firings on Florida Tech campus with excellent results • Significant business interest and numerous education opportunities identified Solid rocket motor test firing 500 and 1,000 lb motors Space Florida / Florida Institute of Technology

7. Final Set-Up on Florida Tech Campus • Capable of measuring any thrust level up to 10,000 lbf in primary direction • Capable of measuring solid rocket motors of any length • Capable of measuring solid rocket motors up to 12 inches in diameter • Measurement of 6 degrees of freedom, including torque, using high-frequency, state-of-the-art piezoelectric force transducers Space Florida / Florida Institute of Technology