Browsing by Author "Lane, Robin"
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Item Open Access Design and user applications of a low-cost satellite constellation for global daily imaging revisit(Cranfield University, 2004-03) Boland, Lee; Bowling, Tom; Lane, RobinThere are many varied sources of satellite Earth Observation and Remote Sensing data currently in-orbit. However, in general there is a distinct lack of rapid-response data for timely application. This is particularly of value in disaster situations where the value of information rapidly falls as time progresses after the event. Micro-satellite constellations, with their low-cost and low launch costs provide a potential affordable solution to the issue of data timeliness. This researchp roject, supportedb y Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, addressesth e problem of data timeliness through the development of a solution for a micro-satellite constellation to give global daily imaging revisit opportunities at a Ground Sample Distance of 30-40m in Red, Green and Near Infra-Red bands. This thesis reviews existing Earth Observation capabilities to highlight the niche that exists for this mission. It then describes the development of the mission and spacecraft system solution as well as ground segment characteristics. The spacecraft and mission design is taken from a conceptual phase to launch and validation via in-orbit operations. This is the first micro-satellite constellation for Earth Observation, and the first microsatellite solution to addresst he rapid-responsep roblem. Research into potential applications for the image data is also presented, focussing in particular on disaster management applications. Wildfire management applications and flood monitoring are considered in most detail, whilst other potential application areas are addressed in brief. This research clearly indicates that there is much potential for the DMC imagery to add value, over and above the current available Earth Observation data sources, to a number of applications. It is noted that further work should be performed to validate the use of DMC data in any given application.Item Open Access Design of a COTS MST distributed Sensor Suite System for planetary surface exploration(Cranfield University, 2005) Andrews, Faye; Hobbs, S. E.; Honstvet, Ian; Lane, RobinThe aim of this project is To bring together current commercially available technology and relevant Microsystems Technology (MST) into a small, standardised spacecraft primary systems architecture, multiple units of which can demonstrate collaboration… Distributed “lab-on-a-chip” sensor networks are a possible option for the surface exploration of both Earth and Mars, and as such have been chosen as a model small spacecraft architecture. This project presents a systems approach to the design of a collection of collaborative MST sensor suites for use in a variety of environments. Based on a set of derived objectives, the main features of the study are: What are the fundamental limits to miniaturisation? What are the hardware issues raised using both standard and MST components? What is the optimum deployment pattern of the network to locate various shaped targets? What are the strategic and economic challenges of MST and the development of a sensor suite network? In general, there are few fundamental physical laws that limit the size of the sensor system. Limits tend to be driven by other factors including user requirements and the external environment. A simple breadboard model of the sensor suite consisting current COTS MST components raised practical issues such as circuit layouts, power requirements and packaging. A grid illustrating features of the Martian surface was created. Various patterns of target and sensor clusters were simulated. Overall, for larger target areas, clusters of sensors produced the best “hit rate”. The overall system utilises both wired and wireless communications methods. The I2C protocol has been investigated for intersuite communications. A link has been made between bacteria pools found on Glaciers (Cryoconites) and the possible conditions for life at the Polar Ice Caps of Mars. The investigation of Arctic Cryoconites has been selected as a representative case study that will incorporate all aspects of the project and demonstrate the system design. A comprehensive mission baseline based on this application has been produced, however the system has been designed to enable its use in a variety of situations whilst requiring only minimal modification to the overall design.Item Open Access Enhancing learning of operations management with a multimedia case study(2002) Lane, RobinItem Open Access Recycling of carbon fibre composite material(Cranfield University, 2002-02) Lloyd, Rachel Louise; Stephenson, Tom; Lane, RobinDifferent routes for recycling carbon fibre composites from the aircraft industry were investigated for feasibility., Literature analysis revealed little previous ·work in this area, with most composite recycling investigations concentrating on automotive industry wastes. The magnitude of disposal of carbon fibre composite materials from the aircraft industry is estimated to be in the region of 350,000 tonnes between the years 2000 and 2050. Landfill cost investigations concluded that the corresponding disposal cost will be in the region of £52 million. Experimentation indicated that the material was stable in landfill conditions, whilst investigations into the health and safety aspects of composite recycling revealed that the materials were harmless unless reduced diameter fibres were released. Activation experiments concluded that the production of commercially viable active carbons was not possible - although the resins activated the carbon fibres did not. Maximum BET surface areas of 170 m2 g- 1 were achieved, despite employing different activation methods and pre-treatments. Therefore, alternative recycling routes were investigated. Two brainstorming sessions generated over forty options. After analysis for of these options were considered most likely to succeed and were investigated in more depth. . Fragment mitigation trials showed a significant reduction in fragment velocity (-20 %) using composite plates of 10.5 mm thickness, liquid-holding boxes resulted in fragment velocity reductions of up to 75 %. Delamination was localised to the area of impact. Literature based investigations of fibre recovery methods identified fluidised bed and high-pressure steam as the most likely to be viable, with fluidised bed plants breaking even at throughputs under 9,000 t/yr. Chemical digestion and resin burn off produced significantly weakened fibres, swelling resulted in the freeing of pre-preg layers. Artificial reef investigations showed that although the material did not appear to degrade in marine environments, it was unsuitable for organism growth. No organisms were attached after a period of 1 year. Pyrolysis appeared to be a viable option, with plants breaking even at throughputs of approximately 6,000 t/yr. Fragment mitigation, fluidised bed fibre recovery and pyrolysis were considered most likely to offer technically and economically viable recycling 1"9utes, and it is recommended that these routes should be investigated further.