A Magnetic Radiation Shield for Long-Distance Space Travel
Problem statement
Astronauts are exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation in space, which markedly limits the amount of time and distance humans can travel. A necessary solution is a shielding that is both strong enough to minimize radiation dose and light enough to be launched into space. These constraints are why an active magnetic shielding is to be used – that is, a magnetic field produced from a coil with current running through it. In order to produce a strong, targeted field, superconducting coils will be arranged in a Halbach Array – a circular sequence that magnifies magnetic field outside of the array and minimizes it inside. With high magnetic fields come high Lorentz forces (on Meganewton scale), which introduce another design constraint for the structure that will attach the coils to the spacecraft. A lot of calculations and simulations have already been done for this project regarding magnetic field strength, radiation doses, and forces. Now it is time to bring these moving parts together and design a support structure, keeping material selection, actuation, and prototyping in mind.
Team members
Eric Martin – leader
Mikayla Seigal – communicator
Jack Winter – accountant
Madeline Healey – admin
Client
Elena D’Onghia
UW Dept. of Astronomy