Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi Science Buddies,

I'm working on a project that involving Pulsed Plasma Thrusters(PPTs). I don't know how familiar you guys are with PPTs but I'm researching a way to overcome late time ablation, which is a major problem in PPTs. The issue is that I don't really have the resources to build a PPT or a testing facility for my PPT design. I really want to pursue this project, but I can realistically only design a 3D model and run simulations with multiphysics software. My question is, would Intel STS or Siemens accept an engineering project where I haven't physically prototyped my invention and have only virtually modeled it?

I'm only tweaking a certain part of the PPT, and it's possible for me to physically prototype that. So maybe I could physically prototype that and just run simulations on everything else? Let me know what you think!


P.S. Regardless, do you have any suggestions on any good multiphysics software that would be useful? I'm using Autodesk Inventor Pro to design my PPT, and I've heard that COMSOL is good because it has a module for Autodesk. However, if there is a better program out there, please let me know!

I can't address all of these questions, but I thought I'd pass this link along to help with some of the physical prototyping: http://www.emachineshop.com/

Cheers,
Colin

I don't see anything in the rules of the Intel STS or Siemens competitions that would preclude simulation-only experiments, but I don't have any personal experience with those science fairs.

To make it to Intel ISEF would mean qualifying at a local SSP-affiliated (or Intel ISEF-affiliated) science fair. Moving on to a qualifying fair often begins with the local or school fair. You might want to talk with your teachers or school science fair coordinators to get additional advice about your project. (You can locate the fair in your area using this Intel ISEF page: https://apps2.societyforscience.org/ssp-affiliate-fair/)

The ISEF Rules: https://student.societyforscience.org/i ... e-research
The ISEF FAQ: https://student.societyforscience.org/rules-faq

Amy
Science Buddies