Advanced Materials
21 Nov 2014

Microwave Drill

Hole drilled using concentrated microwaves [1].
Hole drilled using concentrated microwaves [1].

The study of the subterranean composition of planets is an important tool for understanding the history and evolution of our solar system. In the investigation of the composition of Lunar, Mars and even asteroid surfaces, mechanical drills are currently being used in a variety of robotic explorers (NASA Curiosity, ExoMars, Rosette/Philae). ESA’s ExoMars Rover is fitted with a Drill and Sampling System [2] that is specifically designed to drill down to 2m depths using a rod extension mechanism, linking up to three 50cm extension rods. To ensure remote drilling in a harsh environment like Mars, a robust drill technique is required. Therefore, most drill designs are based on an electrically driven mechanical drill.

An alternative method that has been proposed is drilling by localized microwave energy [1]. The principle of a microwave (MW) drill is to concentrate microwave radiation (e.g. 2.45GHz) into hard non-conductive materials. Experiments on basalt rocks, which are similar in composition as what is expected from rocks on the Mars/Moon surface, show that it is possible to melt surrounding materials when the power density is sufficiently high. However, the input microwave power in these experiments was around 1kW and only a drill depth of a few cm could be reached (limited by the antenna insertion). The benefits of a microwave drill are the lack of (fast) rotating parts, no mechanical friction (no wear and tear) and no vibrations.

Stepwise mechanically assisted microwave drilling could pose a valid additive for future missions. It is therefore of particular interest to experimentally investigate the drill properties of relevant rock types after exposure to low-power microwave near-field radiation.

Project

To further develop this concept, the ACT started an Ariadna study together with academia to investigate the design and performance of a microwave-drill and test the concept on relevant Mars analogous materials (eg basalt, sandstone and marble). These results are compared with results from studies on the drilling capability of conventional mechanical drill designs for space applications (e.g.: ExoMars, Curiosity) on various rocks that can be found on the Moon and/or Mars [3]. As part of the study, the power levels required are assessed in order to achieve an effect on the soil material, either by cracking or even local melting. Finally, an assessment is made on the feasibility of using a microwave-assisted drill design in future exploration missions in comparison to existing techniques, in particular regarding the power levels needed.

References

  1. E Jerby, V Dikhtyar and O Aktushev, Microwave drill for ceramics, Ceramic Bulletin, 82, 2003, 35 [link]
  2. E Jerby et al, The Microwave Drill, Science, 298, 2002, p587-589 [link]
  3. P Magnani et al, Testing of ExoMars EM drill tool in Mars Analogous Materials, Advanced Space Technologies for Robotics and Automation (ASTRA), ESTEC, Netherlands, 12-14 April 2011 [link]

Outcome

Energy Systems Ariadna Final Report
Microwave Drilling
Costanzo, S. and Borgia, A. and Raffo, A. and Di Massa, G. and Versloot, T.W. and Summerer, L.
European Space Agency, the Advanced Concepts Team, Ariadna Final Report 14-2101a
(2015)
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