University of Chicago

 Engineering Center

 

 

UCEC Mechanical Engineers have extensive experience  in designing  a variety of mechanical hardware.  From the simple to the complex, their knowledge and expertise in mechanical design has been put to the test on many projects.  Here are a few examples:

 

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Cosmic Ray Energetic And Mass (CREAM) Solid Model

This drawing was created by Rich Northrop in AutoCAD for the CREAM project.  It shows the transition radiation detector (TRD) and Time Flight of Flight stack.

 

 

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CREST Balloon Gondola and Detector

 

 

 

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HEAT 3-D Solid Model

This drawing was created by Rich Northrop in AutoCAD for the HEAT project. It shows the complete instrument as it was built, with cutaway shell (red). The drawing is a full 3-D model, and can be rotated and shaded (in AutoCAD).

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Cutaway View of the High-resolution Airborne Wide-bandwidth Camera (HAWC) 

Parametric Solid Model created in Pro/ENGINEER allows design process flexibility and collaboration between different organizations. Dewar shape has been optimized for high natural frequencies, using the ANSYS finite element analysis program. Drawing created by Jesse Wirth, Tim Rennick,  Steve Heimsath and engineers at GSFC.  For more info click here http://astro.uchicago.edu/hawc

 

Large Telescope Mirror Analysis


Finite Element Model of a large thin telescope mirror. The contours depict the difference between the computed deflection and the desired and theoretically correct astigmatic shape.
 

Prototype Half-Wave Plate Module


Proof of concept half-wave plate module for astronomy instrument. This module was designed and built here at UC for use in high vacuum and at liquid helium temperatures.                           To read PDF file click here.
 

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Thermal Stress Analysis

Drawing by Tim Rennick and Steve Heimsath shows thermal stresses in an overly constrained cryogenic part design. The part was created in Mechanical Desktop and imported into ANSYS for analysis. The analysis results lead to a redesign of this part.

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TRACER Lite Sun Shadow Model

AutoCAD MDT solid model  by Steve Heimsath shows the TRACER Lite instrument's frame and science stack with solar panels, pressure vessel and SIP package.

 

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DASI at the South Pole

This was the project we helped design at UCEC working with the DASI personal. The parts for the mount were made in the shop and the large ring by an outside vendor. The unit was assembled by the shop and shipped to the pole. This was a project that required a quick turn around to meet the pole schedule. Click here for more pictures.

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Veritas Flash ADC Water Cooled Rack

 

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