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The module covers mechanical and thermal issues relevant to spacecraft, including materials, mechanisms, structure analysis, vibration and thermal theory and testing. Topics include:

1. Spacecraft configurations - interplay of mission goals, power requirements, attitude system and launch vehicle; mechanical interfaces and sub-systems.Ìý
2. Mechanical design - introduction to the mechanical design procedure and its application to spacecraft design.Ìý
3. Foundations of stress analysis and mechanics of materials - examples of application to spacecraft structures: beam analysis; frame structure analysis; strut buckling and optimisation; sandwich panels theory and practice.Ìý
4. Introduction to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - basics of finite element method and application to simple structures; using FEA software.Ìý
5. Launch loads - accelerations, acoustic fields, vibrations; calculating load cases and margins of safety.Ìý
6. Materials for lightness, space vacuum and the radiation environment - metals, polymers, ceramics and composites. Ìý
7. Introduction to vibration theory for space systems - analysis of single degree-of-freedom systems; natural frequency, damping, transmissibility; analysis of multi degree-of-freedom systems; random vibration excitation and response.Ìý
8. Testing of space hardware - thermal and mechanical, including vibration and shock. ÌýTypical test specifications; interpretation of measurements; modes of failure.Ìý
9. Mechanisms - types of space mechanisms - actuators, stepper motors, pyrotechnics, gear transmissions; kinematics and kinematic design; bearings - sliding, rolling and flexing; lubrication and tribology for space applications; mechanism life.ÌýÌý
   Introduction to cryogenics for space and cryocooler technologies.Ìý
10. Thermal design - Modes of heat transfer. Space thermal environment. Thermal control materials and devices. Thermal design processes, analysis and testing. Impact of space environment.Ìý

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