UPCD: Field Trial Results and Further Work

Worrall, K. , Timoney, R., Li, X. , Harkness, P. and Lucas, M. (2018) UPCD: Field Trial Results and Further Work. In: 16th Biennial ASCE International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environments, Cleveland, Ohio, 09-12 Apr 2018, pp. 297-306. ISBN 9780784481899 (doi: 10.1061/9780784481899.030)

[img]
Preview
Text
158143.pdf - Accepted Version

932kB

Abstract

The Ultrasonic Planetary Core Drill (UPCD) project sought to develop and conduct a field trial, in an analogous Martian environment, of a space-compatible regolith-sampling tool. The project implemented a number of key technologies to achieve this aim; a drilling control loop based on ultrasonic power feedback, a bayonet interface system to allow a drillstring to be built up in-situ then disassembled after use, a coring design which captured the cores drilled out, and a mechanism for caching the core samples in sealable containers. The system was demonstrated in the laboratory with results indicating low power, low weight on bit, achievement of the targeted depth, and the retrieval of still-frozen core samples. The routines to allow the system to become fully autonomous were also demonstrated. The drill was deployed to Coal Nunatak on Alexander Island, Antarctica, for analogue trials. The drill was demonstrated to work, as was the caching and drill assembly/disassembly system, but the target depth was not achieved. A review of drill depth is provided along with a laboratory solution to the problems encountered in the field. Further work using the UPCD is also discussed.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Worrall, Dr Kevin and Lucas, Professor Margaret and Timoney, Dr Ryan and Harkness, Professor Patrick and Li, Dr Xuan
Authors: Worrall, K., Timoney, R., Li, X., Harkness, P., and Lucas, M.
Subjects:T Technology > T Technology (General)
T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
ISBN:9780784481899
Published Online:15 November 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 ASCE
First Published:First published in 16th Biennial ASCE International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environments: 297-306
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy
Related URLs:

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record

Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
615721Ultrasonic Planetary Core Drill (UPCD)Patrick HarknessEuropean Commission (EC)607015ENG - ENGINEERING SYSTEMS POWER & ENERGY