|
|
|
Sapphire Box Set
|
|
The experimental box set for this experiment is constructed from sapphire plates built into the shape of a set of cubes. The sapphire cubes are built outward from an aluminum support plate that divides the box set into halves. The aluminum support plate has 4 square depressions cut out of each side. Each depression contains four trenches cut for the sapphire walls. Two additional sapphire plates form the top of each cube.
The sapphire walls are held in place by a compression system constructed from 2/56 stainless steel threaded rod, aluminum corner pieces and the support plate. The way the compression system works is each corner piece will have three support rods running through it, in the x, y, and z directions. In each place where a support rod goes through a support piece there will be a nut so that it can be tightened and locked into place. There will be a support piece on the top of four cubes, where all the walls meet. This piece will have two steel rods running through it so that the walls are being held in place by the piece and compressed together so that they will not fall apart.
Inside each sapphire cube, there is an isolated sapphire plate on which a piezoelectric sensor is mounted. This sensor will be used to obtain data relating to the pressure inside each box. The sensor is also attached to a small piece of lead and a rubber pad. The rubber pad isolates the pressure sensor from vibrations originating outside the experiment. The piezoelectric sensor must be deformed for it to produce a voltage reading; therefore, lead is in place to provide a massive surface that will ensure deformation when the isolated sapphire plate is contacted. Wires from the sensors will exit the box set at a common point for easier electrical connection.
|
|
|