Mars Wind Tunnel Simulation Facility Provided by: Mars Simulation Laboratory, Aarhus University Homepage: http://pef.au.dk Please note this facility will not be open for visits until November 2009.

Scientific Contact: Dr J P Merrison Institute of Physics and Astronomy Aarhus University Ny Munkegade bld.1520 Aarhus 8000C, Denmark Email: Phone 00 45 8942 3723 Fax 00 45 8612 0740

Local administrative contact (once a TNA visit is awarded): Ms Lone Taulborg Institute of Physics and Astronomy, Phone 00 45 8942 3579 Fax 00 45 8612 0740

 

Facility Description

A Mars Environment Simulator with Capabilities: Pressure (0.02-1000 mbar) Gas (Air, CO2, etc..) Temperature (30 - 120ºC) Wind speeds up to 30 m/s Dust aerosol ˜ 1-1000 cm-3 Dust exposure > 300 sol Measurement vol. 2 m x 2 m x 1 m UV/optical ‘solar simulator’ Access is also afforded to a smaller Mars wind tunnel facility

Facility Applications

Previous/current Science and Technolgy Aeolian transport / wind erosion Aerosol studies particulate electrification aggregation and sedimentation magnetic properties water (humidity) transport Instrument development Wind sensors Dust sensors Optical systems

Facility References

Selected relevant publications

Simulation of the Martian Aerosol at Low Wind Speeds
J.P. Merrison et al. J. Geophys. Res. Planets, 107, 16-1 to 16-8, (2002)

Determination of the Wind Induced Detachment Threshold for Granular Material on Mars using Wind Tunnel Simulations
Merrison, J.P. et al. Icarus 191, 568-580 (2007)

An Environmental Simulation Wind Tunnel for Studying Aeolian Transport on Mars
Merrison, J.P. et al., Planet. Space. Sci. 56, 426-437 (2008)

For information on the Europlanet TNA programme contact:

Professor N J Mason, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Open University, Walton Hall. Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA
Email (preferred method of contact)

 

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Last updated:19 May 2009