Development of a Piezoelectric-Driven Rock Drilling Device on Mars

Abstract

Drilling is an effective way to obtain rock sample in future Mars exploration. Since the actuating elements of ultrasonic drilling devices are piezoelectric ceramics, they can adapt to complex environment on Mars. Based on high-frequency percussive drilling method, ultrasonic drills can easily penetrate into hard rocks on Mars. As a kind of light and compact drill with low power consumption, ultrasonic drills are suitable for Mars in-situ rock-sampling missions. By means of simulation and experimental methods, the rock-drilling ability and efficiency of the ultrasonic drill are verified. The development of ultrasonic drills can provide technical reference for future Mars rock-sampling missions.

Keywords

Mars exploration / in-situ sampling / drilling device / piezoelectric actuation