Post on 01-Sep-2018
Triboelectric Properties of Martian Dust Simulants and Spacecraft Construction Materials
Martian dust > 1µm < 13 µm or crushed basalt. JSC MARS – 1A – Martian dust
NASA uses for tests.
Fig. 16 demonstrates how teflon reduced the charge on aluminum
Fig. 18 and Fig. 23 demonstrates the inability of epoxy sand as a static discharge
mitigate.
Fig 19 illustrates how Basalt sand used with Teflon resulted in the lowest
amount of Tribocharge.
To further research this experiment, trials would be conducted with different
materials from the Triboelectric Series and trials would also include the use of
JSC MARS – 1A
Perfecting the elimination of Tribocharge in the Spacecraft Materials will ensure
a safer environment for astronauts and other space crafts being sent to Mars.
Results
Discussion
Introduction
Results
Table x. Put table caption here.
Literature Cited:
•Difference in the Wind Speeds Required for Initiation versus Continuation of Sand Transport on Mars: Implications for Dunes and Dust Storms
Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 074502 – Published 19 February 2010
•Jasper F. Kok
•Electrostatic Discharge Phenomenon: A Potential Threat to Aircraft Safety
•Moupfouma, F., "Electrostatic Discharge Phenomenon: A Potential Threat to Aircraft Safety," SAE Technical Paper 2007-01-3833, 2007,
doi:10.4271/2007-01-3833.
•ESD Control Handbook, Static Control Measures; 3M Corporation.
Background:
• - http://www.hdwallpapersmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mars_fantasy_landscape_wallpaper_jpeg-normal.jpg
Goals and Hypothesis
Goal: to determine how triboelectric properties of materials utilized
on a mission to mars have the potential to create static charge and
how it could be reduced.
Hypothesis: the movement of silicate based sand particles (Martian
dust stimulant) will create an electrostatic charge build up when in
contact with aluminum (space craft hull material) and this charge
build up can be mitigated with a layer of Teflon. ESD Event.
Fig. 4. A representation of a
familiar example of
tribocharging. Electrostatic
Discharges (ESDs) are a
potential threat to aircraft
(Moupfouma 2007). As much
as 60% of electronic damage
may be caused by ESDs (3M
Corporation). Source:
http://esdsystems.descoindustries.com/Newsletters/v4issu
e3.html
Fig 7 Displays the triboelectric
series. Notice how Teflon is on
the negative side while
aluminum is on the positive end.
Methods
This experiment involves the dropping of dust stimulants
on an aluminum target attached to a test track passing
over a Faraday sensor. Static Discharges exist in today’s
world already but out take on this experiment was to
create another way or reducing or eliminating
turbocharging. Our approach to achieving this end goal
was to use Teflon which is located on the negative side of
the Triboelectric series and we tried to cancel out the
negative charge by using Aluminum, a typical space craft
material which is located on the positive end of the
Triboelectric series.
Fig. 13 Aluminum target on test track with
Faraday sensor
Fig. 10 shows 10 mL of
sand particles in test tube
over funnel and aluminum
target.
Fig.11 Sand particles moving over
the aluminum target imparting
positive charge through
tribocharging on the sand
particles.
Fig. 16 Data collected when quartz sand is poured on an
aluminum target coated in Teflon. Notice how the charge is
lower compared to just a plain aluminum target.
Fig. 5 Static dischargers
on an aircraft wing.
Fig 19 Data collected from basalt sand striking an aluminum
target. Minor charges are collected due to the fact that the
charge was so minor that it collected other minor charges.
Fig. 1. Martial soil as photographed by Curiosity. The low
humidity environment produces ideal conditions for
tribocharging. 4% SiO2. Feldspars (silicates)
Curiosity 's view of Martian soil and boulders after crossing
the "Dingo Gap" sand dune (February 9, 2014; raw color).
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_surface_color -
Fig. 2. Dust devil as photographed by Spirit Rover . Because of
low gravity and low atmospheric pressure, sustained saltation of
Martian dust grains (3 µm) does not require high velocity winds
once the particles are in motion (Kok 2010).
Source: http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/solarsystem/2005_dust_devil.html - Spirit Rover Sol 486
Fig. 3. Tribocharge effect in volcanic ash.
Source: http://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.2180
Fig. 14 Charged
aluminum target moving
over the Faraday cup
portion of the sensor.
Fig. 12 Faraday cage and cup
situated on glass insulator on
ground plane.
Fig. 8 Diagram of experimental apparatus.
Fig. 22 Mean tribocharging of aluminum with
quartz sand.
Fig. 6 Structure of Teflon. Note the presence of
Fluorine, the most highly electronegative element.
Fig 23 A graph illustrating how the charge of epoxy was much
greater than the other three treatments. As seen the Teflon .
Methods
Fig. 9 Teflon spray is being
used to spray and coat the
aluminum targets that will be
used in the experiment.
Fig. 15 Data collected from quartz sand creating
tribocharge when striking an aluminum target.
Fig 21 Data collected from basalt sand striking an aluminum target coated in epoxy. Notice how
the charge is minimal yet still the highest when compared with other basalt trials.
Fig. 17 Data collected from quartz sand creating tribocharge
when striking an aluminum target that is coated in Teflon.
Notice how the set of charges created is very small when
compared to regular aluminum target.
Fig 20 Data collected from Basalt sand striking a Teflon sprayed
aluminum target. Notice how minimal charge is collected, also
shown in how minor charge at the rate or 0.05 nC is collected.
Fig. 18 Data collected from quartz sand being poured over
a coating of epoxy, although consistent results were being
produced, the amount of charge was unexpectedly high
compared to the other results of quartz sand.