First experiments of a 3D Heat Flow Sensor for regolith
Abstract
Many different processes and dynamics are involved in the transfer of energy to or from the regolith on planetary surfaces. Some of them tend to generate vertical heat flows, for example solar irradiance, while others can be seen as purely random processes that, together with soil heterogeneity, surface roughness and variable terrain slopes, can generate random directional heat flow patterns. All these thermal processes can be seen as disturbances for the most delicate surface measurements, such as for example seismometers and heat flow sensors. The objective of this work is to present the first experimental and simulation results obtained with a 3D heat flux sensor for regolith. The sensor provides heat flow magnitude and angle in 3 dimensions. The preliminary experimental results indicate a resolution below 1W/m2 and 10º. The potential limits in terms of accuracy are yet to be determined. Although these values are above the required resolution for measuring planetary heat flux, the sensor may provide information on the instantaneous local thermal environment surrounding the lander. The sensor may therefore provide an important characterization of the thermal environment under the surface, which can constrain biological activity. Additionally, wind, transient atmospheric opacities and other disturbances transfer energy to the regolith as random 3D heat fluxes. This sensor may help to understand the readings and increase the final accuracy of other key geophysical sensors.
- Publication:
-
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E.236D