Improved Rock Core Sample Break-off, Retention and Ejection System, Phase I

The proposed effort advances the design of an innovative core sampling and acquisition system with improved core break-off, retention and ejection features. The proposed innovation employs a different drill tube design in the vicinity of the core that does not impose any loads on the core and does not rotate relative to the core. This novel technique actually envelopes and protects the core as it is generated. The benefits are two fold; first, the integrity of the core is maintained and second, core ejection is much easier which greatly reduces, if not eliminates the risk of the core jamming within the drill tube/bit. These improvements can be obtained without increasing the annulus of the drill bit that would otherwise require more down force, torque, power and bit wear. At the end of the proposed Phase 1 effort, the design of the coring system will be at TRL 4 and by the end of a potential Phase 2, the system will be at TRL 6.

Potential NASA Commercial Applications: The proposed research is expected to have commercial applications for geological studies in the mining and environmental industries.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.