An ultrasonic corer for planetary rock sample retrieval

Abstract

Abstract. Several recent and planned space projects have been focussed on surface rovers for planetary missions, such as the U.S. Mars Exploration Rovers and the European ExoMars. The main functions of similar extraterrestrial vehicles in the future will be moving across planetary surfaces and retrieving rock samples. This paper presents a novel ultrasonic rock sampling tool tuned in a longitudinal-torsional mode along with the conceptual design of a full coring apparatus for preload delivery and core removal. Drilling and coring bits have been designed so that a portion of the longitudinal motion supplied by the ultrasonic transducer is converted into torsional motion. Results of drilling/coring trials are also presented.

Designing and Calculating the Nonlinear Elastic Characteristic of Longitudinal–Transverse Transducers of an Ultrasonic Medical Instrument Based on the Method of Successive Loadings

“…For most ultrasonic instruments, the operating frequency of ultrasonic vibrations is close to 20 kHz [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. On the other hand, the obtained natural oscillation frequencies are close to the working range by FEM (Ansys Workbench) and numerical method (Matlab).…”

Ultrasonic rock sampling using longitudinal–torsional vibrations

“…A more detailed analysis of the predicted effects of the corer geometrical parameters on its vibration behaviour can be found in Ref. [12].…”

“…More details about the proposed system for the insertion of the corer into the rock can be found in Ref. [12]. …”