Although life on Mars has yet to be proven, the concept of extraterrestrial

life detection is an extremely prominent question within the astrobiology

and aerospace industry. In support of this search, this project utilizes a

multi-step system prototype that sonicates regolith samples which is then

filtered and fed in a downstream process for further analysis. This senior

design project is focused on the development of a proof of concept

prototype of the sonication cell, with the attention centered on sample

extraction, drillbit interface, and its ability to seal.

N.A.S.A Life Detection S.C.O.P.E (Sonicator Cell for Organics Prospecting and Evaluation)

Conclusions● Physical design and assembly was feasible, fitting together with correct tolerances and

dimensions to meet engineering requirements ● Structural simulation provided results for a viable and structurally-sound mechanism ● Harmonic response vibration analysis showed slight deformation on an extremely small

scale. The Frequency response graph showed a decrease in amplitude as the frequency increased, as expected.

AcknowledgementsWe thank our collaborator from N.A.S.A, Dr. Davila for providing us with crucial documentation, design review, and feedback throughout the project. We also thank our faculty mentor, Dr. Sims for his guidance and assistance with budget regarding this project.

Future Works● Integrate complete electronic transducer components to perform physical testing with

Martian regolith, followed by soil extraction testing● Add on to simulation testing , along with physical vibration testing ● Integrate raman spectroscopy into cauldron apparatus ● Coat inside of cauldron model with reflective material for optics

Description of Need1) Low recovery of samples from drill bits.

2) Dry samples have low signal to noise ratios.

3) Previous Recovery Methods were over complicated and inefficient.

4) Past solutions have low modularity in sample recovery designs.

Description of Solution● Utilize sonication to effectively remove regolith samples.

● Once sample is removed, use sonication to mix samples and solvent to

promote homogenization of sample with solvent for further extraction

● Maintain simplistic and small design: locking mechanism, solvent

reservoir, chamber, and sonicator interface.

● Generate design based off modular designs and pre-existing ideas

generated by N.A.S.A.

Results and Discussion

Experimental SetupAbstract Design Analysis

Solvent Tank

Sonicating Ring Transducer

Drill Bit Locking Wedges

Sample Delivery Bit

Extraction and Homogenization Chamber

Extract Delivery Outlet

A physical 3D printed prototype of cauldron-apparatus was 3D-printed, along with the drill-bit interface and HoneyBee Robotics drill-bit. The entire mechanism involves a solvent tank, sample delivery bit, extract delivery outlet, drill-bit locking wedges, extraction and homogenization chamber, and subsequent sonicating ring transducer.

bailey.mcfarland@aggiemail.usu.edulindseybach7@gmail.commichael.einreinhof@aggiemail.usu.edu

Bailey McFarland, Lindsey Bach, Michael Einreinhof, Dr. Alfonso Davila (N.A.S.A) and Dr. Ronald Sims (USU)