An impact penetrometer for a landing spacecraft

• Published in: Measurement science & technology Vol. 5; no. 9; pp. 1033 - 1041
• Main Authors: Lorenz, R D, Bannister, M, Daniell, P M, Krysinski, Z, Leese, M R, Miller, R J, Newton, G, Rabbetts, P, Willett, D M, Zarnecki, J C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.09.1994; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Astronomical and space-research instrumentation; Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental astronomy and astrophysics. Instrumentation, techniques, and astronomical observations; Gravitational radiation detectors; mass spectrometers; and other instrumentation and techniques; Design; Measuring instruments; Penetrometers; Mechanical properties; Calibration; Planetary surfaces; Titan
• ISSN: 0957-0233; 1361-6501
• DOI: 10.1088/0957-0233/5/9/001

Describes the design, development and calibration of an impact force transducer, or penetrometer, for use on the Huygens probe, scheduled to land on the surface of Saturn's moon Titan in 2004. The thumb-sized transducer employs a piezoelectric sensing element and is capable of working at cryogenic temperatures. The impact force profile, measured at 10 kHz by the sensor, allows estimation of the density and cohesion of surface material and its particle size distribution. (Original abstract-amended)