Science Sultans Proposal

Kayla, Aaron, Griffin, Nicole, and Rachel

Mission Design
29 August 2014

Using an high-altitude balloon, we intend to test the resistance of copper, kanthal, brass, and
nichrome wire under the conditions associated with a high altitude-- namely low pressure and
temperature-- through the use of an Arduino MEGA rev 3 microcontroller board. The Arduino will measure
the resistance of the metals, i.e. how much electricity passes through each metal as altitude increases,
with the goal of measuring the possible correlation between the electrical resistance of metals and
atmospheric altitude.
Similar experiments have been conducted by Montana State Universitys College of Engineering
in conjunction with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 2011. A team of
students at MSU worked together to create a payload to record data using a custom radiation sensor at
100,000 feet. Their payload was designed to resist the elements and accommodate for temperature,
pressure, and humidity changes during flight and utilized Arduinos, a radiation sensor, and a battery pack.
They did not, however, perform experiments on the conductivity/resistance of metals relative to
temperature, air pressure, and humidity. Using the recommendations provided in MSUs payload
proposal, we intend to measure resistance to determine conductivity of metals in the extreme conditions
of the stratosphere.
Question and Hypothesis
We intend to test the conductivity of metals in high altitudes using an Arduino MEGA rev 3
microcontroller. The conditions experienced at high altitudes, according to the data available to us and
foreknowledge, will likely decrease the resistance of the kanthal, nichrome, brass, and copper. Based on
a web posting of Dr. Richard Barrans, Jr, metals experiencing extremely low temperatures act as superior
conductors. There are no sources found that indicate pressure will have a pronounced effect, but it is
known that the temperature will affect the ohmic resistance. It is, however, possible that the pressure will
have an unforeseen effect.
Materials
1. One Arduino MEGA rev 3 microcontroller, which will be provided by Aaron de Jager
2. Two 1K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (5-Pack), which will be provided by Griffin Eslinger
3. Four Duracell nine volt Coppertop Alkaline Battery, which the team will provide
4. Three feet 22 Gauge Copper Hobby Wire , at $5.29
5. Three feet of Kanthal 22 Gauge Wire, $15.00 total
6. Three feet of Nichrome Wire 22 Gauge Wire, $8.00 total
7. Three feet of 22 Gauge Non Tarnish Gold Brass Wire, at $4.75
8. One microSD Shield- DEV 09802 RoHS, at $14.96
9. One DS1620 Digital Thermometer, at $5.39
10. One Altimeter Module MS5607, at $26.99

TOTAL: $

Procedure
Our team will prepare the Arduino MEGA using copper, nichrome, kanthal, and brass wire; nine-
volt batteries, a microSD Shield, resistors, a LM92 temperature sensor, and an altimeter module. The
Arduino, the nine volt batteries, and the microSD shield will be in a temperature controlled container. On
the outside of our temperature-controlled box, will be our metals: nichrome, kanthal, brass, and copper.
The LM92 temperature sensor, altimeter module, and the testable metals will be placed outside of the
container and will be connected by wires. The wires will connect to the resistors and then to the nine volt
battery and the Arduino.
To control the temperature of the inner part of our payload, in an effort to preserve the integrity
of the nine-volt batteries and the Arduino MEGA itself, a heat pump will be monitored and activated by the
Arduino micro-controller. The inner-workings of our payload will be therefore temperature controlled with
the use of insulation and the adjustable resistance heat pump.The circuit will be laid out as a breadboard;
its components will include a nine volt battery with wires that will be connected to the outside of the
Arduino. The metals being tested will be placed completely outside of the case that contains the Arduino,
and wires will connect the metals to the resistors and then to the Arduino and the opposite terminal of the
battery. Wires from the Arduino will run to the battery, create a connection to each piece of metal, where
it will then be attached to the resistor and Arduino. This will allow for the Arduino; accompanied by a
humidity, temperature, and air pressure, sensor, to form a circuit where data can be stored in a Micro-SD
card inserted in the micro-controller and calculate information.
Our team will begin by activating the Arduino microcontrollers and running a pre-downloaded
program. This program, designed by Aaron and Griffin, will be run by the Arduino that simultaneously
measures and stores data that can be analyzed upon the return of the high-altitude balloon while allowing
an electric current to flow through the circuit. The Arduino will calculate, at various altitudes, the
resistance of our tested materials, which we will compare to determine the level of conductance.

Data Analysis
We will analyze the data using the measurements taken by the Arduino and recorded on the
Micro SD Card. The resistance of the metals in Ohms() will be calculated and plotted against the
external temperature, pressure, and humidity. We will also scale the results accordingly if we find that the
inside temperature of the box has had an effect on the resistance.
Our information stored by the Arduino will be graphed, showing the correlation between each
metals' electrical resistance and how far away the payload was from earth along with the levels of
humidity and air-pressure.
Conclusions
The Arduino will record the current flowing through the metals as well as monitor temperature,
pressure, and humidity through a circuit and into an Micro SD card.The program will also control the
temperature of the inside of the box using a resistance heater to prevent freezing or overheating. Using
the data collected by the Arduino, we will be able to determine the level of resistance in brass, nichrome,
kanthal, and copper at various altitudes. This data will allow us to discern which metal performs the best
at higher altitudes and to determine at which level each metal performs at the highest level.


References

1K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor (5-Pack) (2014). Retrieved August 28, 2014, from
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062343

12 Solid Bare Copper (2013). Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://www.homedepot.com/
p/Southwire-12-Solid-Bare-Copper-By-the-Foot-10620390/204724854#specifications

Altimeter Module MS5607 (2014). Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://www.parallax.com/
product/29124.

Arduino MEGA (2013). Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://arduino.cc/
en/Main/arduinoBoardMEGA.

Barrans, Richard Jr. (June 2012). Retrieved August 28, 2014, from
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/phy99/phy99x42.htm

Clem, Lizi, Heetderks, Tiffany, Luhr, Rachael, Schielke, Stephani, and Schipf, Katie (2011).
High Altitude Balloon Payload Design Project. NASA. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from
http://www.coe.montana.edu/ee/lameres/figures/weng11_summer_program/03_Prelimin
ary_Design_Review.pdf

Duracell Coppertop Alkaline Batteries, 9V, 4 Batteries/Pack (2014). Retrieved August 28, 2014,
from http://www.walmart.com/ip/Duracell-MN16RT4Z-Duracell-Coppertop-Alkaline-
Batteries-9V-4-Batteries-Pack/14931998

microSD Shield (2014). Retrieved August 28, 2014, from https://www.sparkfun.com/
products/9802.

LM92 (2014). Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://www.ti.com/product/lm92.