Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7154369 | Chinese Journal of Aeronautics | 2016 | 14 Pages |
Abstract
Chinese Chang'e lunar exploration project aims to collect and return subsurface lunar soil samples at a minimum penetration depth of 2 m in 2017. However, in contrast to those on the Earth, automated drilling and sampling missions on the Moon raise the risk of burning bits. Test-beds are required for testing the thermal properties of drill tools in a lunar environment. In this paper, a novel temperature measuring method based on thermocouples and a slip ring was proposed. Furthermore, a data acquisition system for a drilling process was designed. A vacuous, cryogenic, and anhydrous soil environment simulating the lunar surface was established. A drilling test-bed that can reach a depth of 2.2 m was developed. A control strategy based on online monitoring signals was proposed to improve the drilling performance. Vacuum and non-vacuum experiments were performed to test the temperature rising effect on drill tools. When compared with the non-vacuum experiment, the vacuum temperature rise resulted in a 12 °C increase. These experimental results provide significant support for Chinese lunar exploration missions.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Authors
Zhang Tao, Zhao Zeng, Liu Shuting, Li Jinglin, Ding Xilun, Yin Shen, Wang Guoxin, Lai Xiaoming,