Piezoelectric Strainmeter for the Seismic Investigation of Planets

MSFC is currently pursuing the development of piezoelectric crystal oscillator strain and vibration sensors for use in structural integrity testing and monitoring. We propose to adapt these technologies to seismic frequencies of interest (~0.1 - 50 Hz). Piezoelectric sensors are not currently considered mainstream in terrestrial seismology. However, they may port well to planetary implementations where small size, low power, robustness, and high sensitivity are desirable. The current sensor prototypes use a crystal oscillator as the sensing element, measuring mechanical strain as a change in crystal impedance. We use additive manufacturing to develop a compliant structure to convert crystal impedance into an applied load on the crystal oscillator material, based on its mechanical properties.

Piezoelectric technology is not currently considered mainstream in terrestrial seismology. However, it may port well to planetary implementations where small size, low power, robustness, and high sensitivity are desirable. Commercial lunar landers in the immediate future will favor small, robust payloads that do not require the sophisticated operation procedures and deployment mechanisms currently required by state-of-the-art planetary seismometers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.

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