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Note: Planetary gravities made simple: Sample test of a Mars rover wheel.

G Viera-López1, A Serrano-Muñoz1, J Amigó-Vega1

  • 1Group of Complex Systems and Statistical Physics, Physics Faculty, University of Havana, 10400 Havana, Cuba.

The Review of Scientific Instruments
|September 3, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed a versatile instrument using an Atwood machine to simulate varying gravitational environments, enabling experiments from 0.4 g to 1.2 g with high precision. This system facilitates research in reduced gravity, including Martian conditions.

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Area of Science:

  • Experimental Physics
  • Gravitational Science
  • Space Exploration Technology

Background:

  • Conducting experiments in non-terrestrial gravitational environments is crucial for scientific advancement.
  • Existing methods for simulating variable gravity are often limited in scope or precision.
  • The need for adaptable instrumentation for microgravity and partial-gravity research is significant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce a novel instrument capable of simulating a wide spectrum of gravitational conditions.
  • To enable diverse experiments in gravities ranging from 0.4 g to 1.2 g.
  • To facilitate research, including testing hardware for planetary exploration, under simulated Martian gravity.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a large Atwood machine with a sensor-equipped bucket and single-board computer.
  • The system detects and stabilizes effective gravity, triggering actuators for experimental control.
  • Integrated WiFi and a web interface for experiment setup, monitoring, and data analysis.

Main Results:

  • Achieved controllable gravities within the 0.4 g to 1.2 g range.
  • Demonstrated acceleration noise of approximately 0.01 g.
  • Enabled experiments of up to 1.5 seconds duration under simulated Martian gravity.

Conclusions:

  • The developed instrument provides a flexible and precise platform for variable gravity research.
  • The system's capabilities are suitable for a wide range of scientific investigations and technology testing.
  • Successfully demonstrated its utility by testing a model Mars rover wheel in simulated low gravity.