CFD analysis and optimization of the sensor “MicroMED” for the ExoMars 2020 mission

•The instrument is able to detect particles with high efficiency for most cases.•Effect of environmental parameters on MicroMED’s efficiency were analyzed.•The optimum operating conditions of the pump were found.•CFD analysis showed criticalities in MicroMED’s Breadboard allowing a design update. Ch...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Measurement : journal of the International Measurement Confederation 2019-12, Vol.147, p.106824, Article 106824
Main Authors: Mongelluzzo, Giuseppe, Esposito, Francesca, Cozzolino, Fabio, Molfese, Cesare, Silvestro, Simone, Franzese, Gabriele, Popa, Ciprian Ionut, Lubieniecki, Marek, Cortecchia, Fausto, Saggin, Bortolino, Scaccabarozzi, Diego, Zakharov, Alexander
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CFD
Computational fluid dynamics
Design optimization
ExoMars 2020
Fluid dynamics
Mars
Mars atmosphere
Mars dust
Mars missions
MicroMED
Particle size
Particle size distribution
Radiation counters
Space exploration
Space missions
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Summary:•The instrument is able to detect particles with high efficiency for most cases.•Effect of environmental parameters on MicroMED’s efficiency were analyzed.•The optimum operating conditions of the pump were found.•CFD analysis showed criticalities in MicroMED’s Breadboard allowing a design update. Characterization of dust is a key aspect in recent space missions to Mars. Dust has a huge influence on the planet’s global climate and it is always present in its atmosphere. MicroMED is an optical particle counter that will be part of the “Dust Complex” suite led by IKI in the ExoMars 2020 mission and it will determine size distribution and concentration of mineral grains suspended in martian atmosphere. A Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis was performed aimed at the optimization of the instrument’s sampling efficiency in the 0.4–20 µm diameter range of the dust particles. The analysis allowed to understand which conditions are optimum for operations on Mars and to consequently optimize the instrument’s fluid dynamic design.
ISSN:0263-2241
1873-412X
DOI:10.1016/j.measurement.2019.07.052