Bacterial Concentrations in Relation to
Boundary Layer Location
Target: 1 Mile
Payload
Based on atmospheric research and expert predictions, our experiment data will correlate the presence of the boundary layer with the relative concentrations and types of bacteria in the atmosphere. Our vehicle’s thermometer, hygrometer and anemometer will collect data to determine the location of the boundary layer. During descent, we will sample the air at three altitude intervals, both above and below the boundary layer. We will then analyze the samples to determine relative bacterial concentrations and gram stain. Additionally, we will determine possible correlations between atmospheric factors, the location of the boundary layer, and abundance of bacteria.
Figure 1: The journey of bacteria. First bacteria from ground sources ride convection currents on dust partials. They will then be entrapped by our samplers. We will then observe them under a fluorescent microscope, canalize the data, and draw conclusions.
Our payload includes two identical four-chambered sampling units. A servo will control rubber plugs at the top and bottom of each sampling unit, exposing each sampler to outside airflow at different altitudes. A fan will draw air through HEPA filters to catch bacteria. We will pour a buffer solution through the HEPA filters to remove bacteria, and later examine the buffer with suspended bacteria under a fluorescent microscope to quantify bacteria levels. The information obtained during our project will contribute to current research of the effect of the landscape on the quantity of atmospheric bacteria.
Figure 2: Sampler diagram depicting the HEPA filter and servos.
Vehicle
The launch vehicle will carry two four-chambered bacteria samplers to an altitude of 5280 feet. Our 10-foot fiberglass rocket features a dual deployment scheme, and will be propelled by a K700 Aerotech White Lightning motor. Our recovery system is dual deployment and our rocket will launch from a 12-foot rail.
Figure 3: RockSim drawing of our rocket, showing our center of gravity and center of pressure as determined by the Rocksim stability method. The stability margin of our rocket is 6.83 calibers.
| Length [in] | Weight [lbs] | Diameter [in] |
Motor Selection |
Stability Margin [calibers] |
Thrust To Weight Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 138 | 18.3 | 4 | AT-K700W | 6.8 | 8.3 |
Figure 4:Three-dimensional view of the rocket, showing the e-bay in dark blue, motor mount in red and the payload in cobalt blue. The drogue parachute is partially stored in the nosecone and the main parachute is located above the payload. The altimeters for the drogue ejection and backup main ejection are housed in the e-bay. The flight computers for payload operation and main parachute primary ejection are housed inside the payload modules.