Timoney, R., Worrall, K. , Li, X. , Firstbrook, D. and Harkness, P. (2020) Development of a robust mating system for use in the autonomous assembly of planetary drill strings. Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 33(4), 04020040. (doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)AS.1943-5525.0001139)
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207436.pdf - Accepted Version 1MB |
Abstract
Volume-constrained robotic missions seeking to obtain samples from beneath a planetary subsurface may wish to use a rigid drill string consisting of multiple, individual drill bit sections connected together, as opposed to a single, lengthy drill bit. To ensure that drill strings can be assembled and disassembled reliably, it is essential that a robust connection system be used. The authors propose a geometry that seeks to address the requirements of such a mating interface. The proposed solution is based on the bayonet interface, using L- and T-shaped so-called female grooves and male studs connected and disconnected together through a series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations and single-point clamping events. This routine allows the transfer of both percussion through the drill string and torque in both directions of rotation, while permitting the accurate disconnection of individual drills bits at the required location. Sustained laboratory and field drilling operations suggest that bayonet-style connections offer a reliable solution to the problem of autonomous assembly and disassembly of drill strings in a planetary exploration setting. This paper discusses the development of such a connection system, based on the bayonet connection, which has been implemented in the overall architecture of the Ultrasonic Planetary Core Drill (UPCD). The design trade-off study, which sought to evaluate the use of the bayonet system in comparison with the more conventional screw thread interface, will be discussed, alongside experimental results from percussion transmission testing and drill string assembly testing.
Item Type: | Articles |
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Additional Information: | The Ultrasonic Planetary Core Drill consortium would like to acknowledge the financial support provided under the European Commission Framework 7 scheme. |
Keywords: | Planetary drilling, space systems, Mars exploration, lunar exploration, ISRU. |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Firstbrook, David and Li, Dr Xuan and Timoney, Dr Ryan and Worrall, Dr Kevin and Harkness, Professor Patrick |
Authors: | Timoney, R., Worrall, K., Li, X., Firstbrook, D., and Harkness, P. |
Subjects: | T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy |
Journal Name: | Journal of Aerospace Engineering |
Publisher: | American Society of Civil Engineers |
ISSN: | 0893-1321 |
ISSN (Online): | 1943-5525 |
Published Online: | 08 May 2020 |
Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers |
First Published: | First published in Journal of Aerospace Engineering 33(4):04020040 |
Publisher Policy: | Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy |
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