Describe the mechanics of the TMA payload?
Each TMA trail is deployed by a cylinder canister. The payload cylinder consists of two sections, separated by a movable, free-floating piston. An appropriate amount of liquid TMA is loaded into one end of the cylinder, and the opposite end is pressurized with nitrogen gas at ~100 psia. At a predetermined time during the rocket’s flight, an explosive valve is opened and the piston “pushes” the TMA into the atmosphere via a plumbing section. As the rocket moves through space, TMA is released from the payload, leaving a long chemical trail behind. The chemical release can be of any duration to cover the desired altitude range. • Who will design, build and test the TMA payload?? Students at Penn State and Clemson will design, build and test the TMA payload. • Can I see a working model of the TMA payload?? Unfortunately, at this time Clemson does not have an operable TMA canister that students may inspect. However, at some time this summer or early in the fall, the physics machine shop wil
