Student Corner: The Earth to the Moon

Related Tools & Articles
  • Discussion Forum
    "Going by the pure sense conveyed by the words, innovate is 'to make new' with a hidden connotation 'of something old,' whereas invent is to create something new."

    Contribute to this Discussion

    By Abram Teplitskiy

    After graduating with a degree in physics, the author was involved in nuclear physics, more specifically in the research and development of equipment for testing construction materials like soil, concrete, etc., and developing new testing technologies with nuclear methods – the focus of this Student Corner – that are applicable for use on the Earth's moon.

    Measuring Soil on the Moon

    The first problem the author worked on was how to measure a single valued density of soil. (Figure 1 and 2)

     Figure 1: Measuring Single Valued Density of Soil

    Soviet Union Patent #397,066

    The source of the radiation (1) is located in the protective lead container (2) and the radiation stream is directed to the soil strata. The energy of gamma radiation interacts with the electrons of chemical elements of the Moon's soil, scattering the electrons. Part of the scattered electrons could reach the radiation sensor/detector, sometimes known as a Geiger Counter or Sensor. The amount of scattered gamma energy depends on the density of the surrounding soil and the energy of the gamma radiation. Figure 2 shows the potential different energies of scattered gamma radiation. 

     Figure 2: Gamma Energies

    Soviet Union Patent #397,066

    Making a point on the coordinates of 0.2 and 2000 and look at their intersection and take a vertical line down to the x-axis. There are two possible values of densities in this point, or, more precisely, two possible densities of soil in this volume of soil. How to select the "real" value of density? This ambiguity led to the invention of a new method of measurement. The author of this article invented several methods how to eliminate such measurement ambiguity using nuclear methods for soil density measurements (Soviet Union Patents #364,883 (1970), #381,984 (1973), and #397,066 (1973).

    Gamma Energies

     Figure 3: A Closer Look at Gamma Energies

    Soviet Union Patent #364,883

    How can the measurement ambiguity shown in Figure 3 be resolved? Consider this situation similar to a case using Geiger Sensors, placed at two different distances from source of radiation. There will be two pairs of possible values of density of soil. Because the measurements are in a local area, the results of the measurements will be close to the actual measurement.

    Transportation on the Moon

    Russian Federation Patent # 2,243,122 (Figure 4) is a transportation device for moving on the conditions of the Moon's surface and atmosphere – based on shape memory alloys. The machine includes a body, a cabin for a crew, sun batteries, engine, wheels, shock damper, and also includes maneuvering engines. The engine includes a directional tube that contains a pushing device; its end is made as a spiral (5), made from shape memory material. The shape memory material's transmitting point is higher than the temperature of the device. This higher temperature supplies the pushing device with an electrical impulse, which heats the spiral to the point of its straightening. That straightening allows the device to push itself along the soil. This type of shape memory effect provides the opportunity for this vehicle to move in the rare atmosphere of the Moon.

     Figure 4: Transportation on the Moon

    Russian Federation Patent # 2,243,122

    Summary

    Don't forget – lessons taught and learned on Earth are applicable beyond the stars.

    Happy inventing!

    About the Author:

    Abram Teplitskiy, Ph.D., is a consultant for inventing, applied physics and civil engineering. Contact Abram Teplitskiy at tepl (at) sbcglobal.net.

    Copyright © 2006-2011 – RealInnovation.com, CTQ Media. All Rights Reserved
    Reproduction Without Permission Is Strictly Prohibited – Request Permission


    Publish an Article: Do you have a innovation tip, learning or case study?
    Share it with the largest community of Innovation professionals, and be recognized by your peers.
    It's a great way to promote your expertise and/or build your resume. Read more about submitting an article.