ZANE SPSS SOLAR SYSTEM 3D MODELS.jpg

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to develop a Scaled Planetary Solar System (SPSS) for students to understand the vastness of outer space and the sizes of the planets relative to each other. Team Polaris was created by Engineering 215 Intro to Design class at Humboldt State University, to work with Catherine L. Zane Middle School Representative Jeanne Wilhelm.

Background

Humboldt State University's Engineering 215 - Intro to Design has partnered up with Catherine L. Zane Middle School to develop engaging projects as a teaching tool for the Environmental Resources Engineering Students. As result, Team Polaris is responsible for developing a 3-Dimensional Scaled Planetary Solar System for Zane Middle School. The Scaled Planetary Solar System will supplement the current lessons instructed at Zane Middle School on the Solar System Unit. The addition of the 3-D Scaled Planetary Solar System will help promote a tangible understanding for the students at Zane Middle School.

Problem statement and criteria

The objective of the Scaled Planetary Solar System is to engage the students, provide a physical representation and supplement their learning of the Solar System. The following table describes the criteria with respect to their weight. The criteria was established with regards to the school policy and Zane Representative Jeanne Wilhelm.

Table 1: Criteria for Final Design

Criteria Constraints Weight
Safety Harm no person with normal use 10
Cost Cost no more than $400 10
Aesthetic Agree with school themes 10
Durability Last a minimum 10 years of normal use 9
Ease of Installation No heavy equipment required for use 6
Educational Supplement understanding of the Solar System 5

Description of final project

The Scaled Planetary Solar System is set to two different scales. A scaled distance from the sun and another scale with respect to each other. Mercury and Mars are made from glass marbles. Earth and Venus are composed of plastic ping pong balls. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune are made from quarter inch thick plywood. All the planets are painted with respect to their colors based on photos from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The structural post of all the planets are made from quarter inch thick PVC pipe. Every PVC pipe has a diameter of one inch, a four inch dowel insert at the top of to fit the respective planet using Epoxy. Photos and descriptions. Use gallery.

Include a how to use and maintain section. See the how to template below.

Costs

Table of Costs for the development of the Zane Scaled Planetary Solar System

Cost Table
Quantity Material Source Total ($)
1 Pack of Paintbrushes Piersons 6.84
1 2.5 quart bucket The OT Store 7.56
1 Gorilla Glue Ace 6.64
1 Krud Kutter Piersons 14.99
1 Masking Tape Piersons 8.72
1 Ground Paint Piersons 105.94
1 PC& Epoxy Ace 13.28
1 Plywood Piersons, Ace, Mill Yard 102.51
1 Poster Board CVS 8.94
1 PVC Piersons, Ace 14.46
1 Sandpaper Ace 4.74
1 Screws Piersons 3.70
1 Spray Paint Piersons 16.23
1 Wooden Dowel Piersons 5.69
Total Cost $320.24

How to Assemble

Title

Maintenance

This section includes all relevant information for the maintenance of the Zane Scaled Planetary Solar System, including a schedule, materials and time cost

Schedule

The following is the maintenance schedule for the Zane Scaled Planetary Solar System. Maintenance for this project is relatively low given proper treatment of the 3D planet models, requiring an hour of maintenance every 2-3 years.

Every 2-3 years
  • Touch up of painted 2D models
    • This task simply involves touching up the painted 2d models because of weathering and foot traffic.
  • Fixing a broken model
    • Task includes painting over chips and dings on the shaft and sphere parts of the 3d models.

Maintenance Time Cost

  • 1-2 hours every 5 years

Maintenance Monetary Cost

  • ~$15-$20 for paint and materials

Photo Gallery

Painted 2D Models

Example of the Suns expected size compared to humans.

Discussion and next steps

The Scaled Planetary Solar System is a supplemental tool to educate the students at Catherine L. Zane Middle School. The models are set to two different scales. The first scale is a ratio of the planets. All the models are scaled with respect to Jupiter. The second scale sets the distance between every model. Team Polaris agreed to the two different scales because if the distance was made small to accommodate the school campus, Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars would be almost a speck to the human eye. If Team Polaris scaled the models to accommodate Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, the sun would be far too big and have no place to deploy due to the increased distance. In addition, Uranus and Neptune would be forced onto the grass field surpassing the asphalt basketball courts. As a result, two scales became the optimal choice to accommodate for all the models. Team Polaris presents the Scaled Planetary Solar System Model to Catherine L. Zane Middle School and hopes the students gain a better perspective of the Solar System.

Suggestions for future changes

Best Wood Selection

When selecting wood for the bases, use solid wood planks instead of plywood. Plywood weakens significantly for the bases after the center has been cut. The weakness of the plywood base planks is not an issue unless if a substantial force is applied on the largest surface area, or the face of the plywood plank while laying on a fulcrum.

Painting on Wood

Apply two coats of appropriate primer to the wood prior to painting. Follow up with as many coats of paint required as well and allow every coat to dry prior to additional coats. Depending on the type of paint used, sanding may or may not be required. If you do need to sand, sand between every paint coat using 100 grit sand paper and finish off the last coat of paint with a minimum of 400 grit, for smooth surface results use 1000 grit to finish of the final coat instead of 400 grit.

Painting on Concrete

For best results in terms of longevity, epoxy paint is the best option. Unfortunately, it's very expensive and is sold only by the gallon locally in Eureka and Arcata, California. For relatively temporary use, spray paint directly on concrete will adhere well enough. Always scrub the intended area of painting with environmentally friendly, heavy duty degreaser. Agitate the concrete with a rough bristle broom and rinse off well with water. Allow the concrete to dry prior to painting.

Clean Cuts

For best results with clean cuts, always measure twice and cut once. Use chop saws, table saws and jigsaws for fast, easy cuts. Follow up all the edges with an orbital sander armed with 100 grit and then 400 grit sandpaper to smooth everything out. Use a file to smooth out the slots made in the bases.

Gluing

If you choose to glue anything onto polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ensure you have the correct glue that will adhere to PVC. Always glue prior to painting because the glue may strip the paint. If you have concerns about sanding any decorations glued onto the PVC after painting, use blue painters tape as a place holder for the decorations or tape over your decorations with a minimum of two layers. Strictly sand by hand for best results.

References

Williams, D. R. (2018). “Planetary Fact Sheet - Metric.” NASA, NASA, <https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/> (May 9, 2019). Template:Reflist

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