Shepard Test Stand

h1. Shepard Test Stand Detailed Design v1.0

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h3. Introduction

h3. Mechanical System

h4. Component Overview

!ShepardMechaniclComponentIdentification.png!

The Shepard Test Stand v1.0 mechanical system (pictured above) is made up of six key components.  They are

# *Test Stand Base* - The *Test Stand Base* (*Base*) is constructed from ripped down 2x10 pine stock, and fits over a 4" x 8" x 16" (nominal) solid concrete block which is available at most hardware stores.  The outer dimensions of the *Base* are 10-7/8" x 21-1/2" x 5-3/16", and its inner dimensions are 7-7/8" x 15-5/8" x 3-1/2".  The key dimensions of the base are the inner dimensions (to allow the base to fit over the concrete block during operation) and an open platform of 20" in length to accommodate the *Test Section Beam*.

# *Back Plate* - The *Back Plate* is constructed from ripped down 2x10 pine stock.  Its function is to provide resistance to the thrust, and a mounting location for the force sensor (on the side facing the motor) and the DAQ electronics (on the side opposite the force sensor).  The dimensions of the *Back Plate* are 7-7/8" x 8-13/16" x 1-1/2".  The key dimensions are the width (to match the top of the *Base*) and the height (which should be no less than 8" to provide enough space to mount the force sensor and the electronics).

# *Test Section Beam* - The *Test Section Beam* (*Beam*) is constructed from a 2x4 pine board, and sits on top of the *Base*, along the center line.  It is 20" long (6" longer than the *Rail System*) to provide room for the *Rail System* to retract the *Motor Mount* and *Motor Mount Bracket* away from the *Back Plate* for maintenance.  The key dimension is its length.

# *Rail System* - The *Rail System* restricts the motor under test to motion along the initial thrust vector.  It is made from a "*Liberty* 14 inch Ball Bearing Drawer Slide":http://www.libertyhardware.com/search/detail/?searchType=retail&ID=D80614C-ZP-W&FIN=ZP (PN D80614C-ZP-W, available at "Home Depot":http://www.homedepot.com/buy/liberty-14-in-ball-bearing-full-extension-drawer-slide-d80614c-zp-w.html#.UEAZVNaPWsg).  Note, this was the shortest ball bearing drawer guide available at the time of testing.  If a shorter drawer guide is found, the overall length of the test stand could be reduced. 

# *Motor Mount* -  

h3. DAQ