Martian and Lunar Environment Test Apparatus Matt Merritt Jonathan Pierson Tyrel Ellis

Problem Statement Develop, construct and test a method for production of electrically charged particles to be used for the NASA dust experiments.

Background Information Electrostatically charged particles pose significant threat to human health and machine reliability during Martian/Lunar exploration and habitation. Collision of particles with space suits, vehicles and machinery can transfer charge leading to rapid adhesion. The proposed project will explore concepts of an active surface with integrated dust sensors and dust detachment and removal actuators to provide mitigation of dust particles with minimal energy expenditures.

Particle Specifications Ranges from 0.01 to 100 microns in diameter.

Atmosphere Conditions Martian Atmosphere: surface level pressure = 600Pa Lunar Atmosphere:One trillionth the density of Earth’s atmosphere

Charging Methods Dual Chamber Unipolar Diffusion Charger – Curium 244 alpha source connected to DC voltage electrode produces ions – Ions charge passing particles in the charging channel Corona-Electrostatic Field – Fine tungsten wire connected to high voltage supply used to create ions – Filters used to pulse creating triboelectric effect

Tasks Investigate option for vacuum chamber Build electrostatic charger Develop and build aerosol dispensing device Develop control system – Flow – Atmospheric Pressure – Particle Charging