Development of a Heuristic Thermal Control System for the Ultrasonic Planetary Core Drill

Timoney, R., Worrall, K. , Firstbrook, D. and Harkness, P. (2018) Development of a Heuristic Thermal Control System for the Ultrasonic Planetary Core Drill. In: 16th Biennial ASCE International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environments, Cleveland, Ohio, 09-12 Apr 2018, pp. 317-327. ISBN 9780784481899 (doi: 10.1061/9780784481899.032)

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Abstract

The Ultrasonic Planetary Core Drill (UPCD), recently developed by a consortium of European partners with co-ordination from the University of Glasgow, is a planetary sample acquisition and caching systems testbed, recently field tested at Alexander Island, Antarctica. During the early development of the technology, laboratory-based drilling tests at ambient pressure, utilizing volatile-laden permafrost simulants, revealed the need for an enhancement of the existing control algorithm which autonomously governs the rate of progress of the drill through the terrain. Such modifications have been deemed essential if failure modes relating to re-solidification of unbound volatiles are to be avoided. In the preliminary development of this thermal control algorithm, multiple sensors have been utilized in order to enhance the reliability of the system. It is hoped that this sensor suite may also allow data concerning the thermal environment of the terrain to be exploited, improving the scientific return of the mission. This paper details the early progress made towards a robust thermal control system for the Ultrasonic Planetary Core Drill, featuring results of laboratory testing under ambient conditions in to targets consisting of simulated permafrost, pure ice and frozen saturated rock. Results from this series of preliminary tests show that, when required, the control algorithm developed has proven to be a useful addition to the UPCD control system through its ability to prevent freeze-in faults.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Worrall, Dr Kevin and Firstbrook, David George and Timoney, Dr Ryan and Harkness, Professor Patrick
Authors: Timoney, R., Worrall, K., Firstbrook, D., and Harkness, P.
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: 317-327
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy
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