Triboelectric Charging of Fine Particles: Understanding Sample Transport Under Simulated Martian Conditions for the Mars Science Laboratory

Physics

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5460 Physical Properties Of Materials, 5470 Surface Materials And Properties, 5494 Instruments And Techniques

Scientific paper

We report on the nature of fine particle (lees than 150 micron) transport under simulated Martian conditions, in order to better understand the Mars Science Laboratory's sample acquisition, processing and handling subsystem (SA/SPaH). We find that triboelectric charging due to particle movement may have to be controlled in order for successful transport of fines that are created within the drill, processed through the sample handing system (CHIMERA), and delivered to the SAM and CheMin instruments. These fines will be transferred to the portioner, a 3 mm diameter, 8 mm deep distribution center where they will drop ~ 2 cm to the instrument inlet funnels. In our experiments, charging of the simulant (Mars Mojave Simulant - MMS) resulted in 1.5 to 3 nanocoulombs of charge for a 3g aliquot. Due to electrostatics, this process may result in clumping or charge repulsion of fines, which can result in particle sorting. Both of these results can potentially result in an inaccurate sample analysis for the onboard instruments.

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