ULTRASONIC SNOW DEPTH SENSOR
SCIENCE OBJECTIVE:
To monitor the snow depth at this one location.
INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION: One method of measuring the approximate snow
depth is with an ultrasonic
rangefinder. It measures distance by bouncing
an ultrasonic ping off the snow and timing how long it takes
from the ping generation to the snow and
back. Given that the sensor has to operate in rather harsh climatic
conditions a robust sensor is needed.
Fortunately the automotive industry also uses ultrasonics as car backup
sensors and has developed hardened versions of
the transducer.
This sensor will be mounted to the electric field mill
assembly. The field mill instrument is
extended away from
the body of the lander by a linear actuator
drive. The sensor’s height above ground
is determined when there is
no snow on the ground. Given that snow fall depends on local
conditions, this sensor will only measure what the
amount that falls and remains below the
sensor.
The ultrasonic sensor from an automobile back-up
parking system.
SPECIFICATIONS:
PROJECT STATUS:
The ultrasonic transducer is in hand leaving the circuit to be designed
and built.
INSTRUMENT COSTS:
Ultrasonic transcucer
APPLICABLE WEB SITES:
DATE: