Some Considerations for Excavation in Martian Aquifers
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of water saturation on the behavior of porous rock during mechanical excavation, such as drilling. Such understanding will increase the ability to design robust and flexible tools for drilling in liquid-water aquifers in the martian shallow crust. This capability will be crucial to sustaining the exploration of Mars, and ultimately of other places where liquid water occurs near the surface. The experiment controlled speed of indentation of the rock (by an indenter of a typical shape for drill bits), and the state of saturation of the rock samples. The indentation speeds were expected to bracket the threshold between drained and undrained conditions. Specific energy of indentation increased with saturation during high-speed indentation, but no other experimental parameters gave clear results. Further tests are needed.
Recommended Citation
A. Kaba and L. S. Gertsch, "Some Considerations for Excavation in Martian Aquifers," Proceedings of the 14th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments: Engineering for Extreme Environments, Earth and Space (2014, St. Louis, MO), pp. 424 - 433, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Oct 2014.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784479179.045
Meeting Name
14th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments: Engineering for Extreme Environments, Earth and Space (2014: Oct. 27-29, St. Louis, MO)
Department(s)
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Aquifers; Earth (planet); Excavation; Hydrogeology; Effect of water; Experimental parameters; Flexible tool; Liquid water; Porous rocks; Shallow crust; Specific energy; Undrained conditions; Rock drilling
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-0784479179
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Oct 2014