Leading-Edge Vortex Lift (LEVL) Sample Probe for Venusian Atmosphere

Abstract

Can a small, lightweight, free-falling sample probe be slowed enough in the Venusian atmosphere to run a 10 min microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) ion gas micro spectrometer, without adding a propulsion systems or explosives and parachutes to the probe mass? To meet this requirement a leading-edge vortex lift (LEVL) autorotating probe design (i.e., maple or sycamore seed shape) has been proposed and evaluated. It has been found that a probe with a total mass of less than 1 kg would allow prolonged flight longer than 15 min. Mathematical modelling and physical scale model testing has been performed to show that this flight time is achievable, allowing MEMS ion gas micro-spectrometer sampling of the Venusian atmosphere.