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Abstract
A lightweight and low power oscillating microbalance for in situ sampling of atmospheric ice and volcanic ash is described for airborne platforms. Using a freely exposed collecting wire fixed at only one end to a piezo transducer, the instrument collects airborne materials. Accumulated mass is determined from the change in natural frequency of the wire. The piezo transducer is used in a dual mode to both drive and detect the oscillation. Three independent frequency measurement techniques are implemented with an on-board microcontroller: a frequency sweep, a Fourier spectral method, and a phase-locked loop. These showed agreement to ±0.3 Hz for a 0.5 mm diameter collecting wire of 120 mm long, flown to 19 km altitude on a weather balloon. The instrument is well suited to disposable use with meteorological radiosondes, to provide high resolution vertical profiles of mass concentration.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 086108-086112 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Review of Scientific Instruments |
Volume | 88 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2017 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Note: A miniature oscillating microbalance for sampling ice and volcanic ash from a small airborne platform'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Understanding Energetic Particle Effects on Atmospheric Processes
Nicoll, K. (PI)
Natural Environment Research Council
1/03/16 → 30/09/20
Project: Research council