Magazine Article

Method for Cleanly and Precisely Breaking Off a Rock Core Using a Radial Compressive Force

TBMG-10145

06/01/2011

Abstract
Content

The Mars Sample Return mission has the goal to drill, break off, and retain rock core samples. After some results gained from rock core mechanics testing, the realization that scoring teeth would cleanly break off the core after only a few millimeters of penetration, and noting that rocks are weak in tension, the idea was developed to use symmetric wedging teeth in compression to weaken and then break the core at the contact plane. This concept was developed as a response to the break-off and retention requirements.

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Citation
"Method for Cleanly and Precisely Breaking Off a Rock Core Using a Radial Compressive Force," Mobility Engineering, June 1, 2011.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Jun 1, 2011
Product Code
TBMG-10145
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English