Optimisation of an ultrasonic drill horn for planetary subsurface sample retrieval

Lucas, M. and Harkness, P. (2011) Optimisation of an ultrasonic drill horn for planetary subsurface sample retrieval. In: 40th Annual Symposium of the Ultrasonic Industry Association, Glasgow, UK, 23-25 May 2011,

Abstract

Ultrasonic tools can cut through foodstuffs, biological material and other soft matter with relative ease. However, when attempts are made to cut through harder material, the rate of progress markedly declines. Under such circumstances it is sometimes necessary to reduce the frequency of the blows delivered to the target, in order to ensure that each blow exceeds the compressive strength of the material, but for space applications the small size of high-frequency ultrasonic horns is extremely attractive. This paper therefore considers the optimization of horns for exploitation of the high-frequency/low-frequency drilling technique, whereby a free-mass oscillating between the horn and the target is employed to reduce the frequency at which impulse events are delivered to the target.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lucas, Professor Margaret and Harkness, Professor Patrick
• Authors: Lucas, M., and Harkness, P.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2011 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the authors.