The Abrasion of Aluminum, Platinum, and Nickel by Martian Dust as Determined by the Mars Pathfinder Wheel Abrasion Experiment

Abstract

AbstractThe Mars Pathfinder Wheel Abrasion Experiment (WAE) spun a specially prepared wheel with strips of aluminum, platinum, and nickel, in the Martian soil. These materials were chosen because of their differing hardnesses, their ability to stick to anodized aluminum, and their comparative chemical inertness under Earth launch and Mars landing conditions. Abrasion of those samples was detected by the change in their specular reflectances of sunlight as measured by a photovoltaic sensor mounted above the wheel. The degree of abrasion occurring on the samples is discussed, along with comparisons to the abrasion seen in Earth-based laboratory experiments using Martian soil analogs. Conclusions are reached about the hardness, grain size, and angularity of the Martian soil particles, and the precautions which must be undertaken to avoid abrasion on moving parts exposed to the Martian dust.