Constraints on the behavior of a descending ice probe due to force balance

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Constraints on the behavior of a descending ice probe due to force balance

Cassler, Bailey / Smith, Miles W.E. / Durka, Michael J. / Furst, Benjamin I. / Hockman, Benjamin J. / Ullman, Michael J.

Abstract

Abstract Water is a key ingredient to the potential for life, and several icy moons, such as Europa and Enceladus, are thought to harbor a dynamic subsurface ocean of liquid water. An ice probe or “cryobot” is a proposed technology to penetrate the surrounding ice shell and deliver a life-detection payload to these oceans. As the ice probe descends, it is surrounded by a thin melt film of liquid water. This paper focuses on the fluidics of the melt film for the case of a general ice probe shape, leading to a new approximate equation for the force balance constraints (validated to $< 0.4 %$ error by numerical model). In addition to the introduction of water by melting, the analysis allows for consideration of additional volumetric flow via a pumped jet of recirculated water. The general force balance equation is explored in more detail for the example of a cylindrical probe geometry with flat circular end caps. The thickness of the melt film below and to the side of the cylindrical probe is constrained by the force balance such that the probe typically operates in one of two asymptotic regimes, moving or stalled.

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Highlights • Responds to community interest in accessing the oceans of Europa and Enceladus. • Advances models of mechanical and thermal behavior of a descending ice probe. • Generalizes previous work to an arbitrary probe shape. • Identifies two asymptotic regimes of probe behavior, moving or stalled. • Quantifies previously unmodeled inefficiency due to advective heat loss.

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Document information

Title :

Constraints on the behavior of a descending ice probe due to force balance

Contributors:

Cassler, Bailey (author) / Smith, Miles W.E. (author) / Durka, Michael J. (author) / Furst, Benjamin I. (author) / Hockman, Benjamin J. (author) / Ullman, Michael J. (author)

Published in:

Acta Astronautica ; 189 ; 606-614

Publication date :

2021-09-01

Size :

9 pages

ISSN :

0094-5765

DOI :

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.09.002

Type of media :

Article (Journal)