Design of a space-borne quartz crystal microbalance

This effort is based on the mechanical design of the quartz crystal microbalance system. The microbalance holding system has been designed to assure the integrity of the sensor against the high vibration level stimulus forecasted during the instrument anchorage on the mars. Mechanical design has been guided by the need of curtailing as much as possible the system resource requirements, assure convenient dynamic behavior and overcome high temperature differences of the environment. The holding system is made by three spring and three supports, which are also implement the electrical contact for the piezoelectric crystal. Further on this study also includes the design and optimization of vibration damping system for the quartz crystal microbalance. The damping system consists of an adaptable damper element whose main objective is to control the transmitted vibrations during the landing condition. The environmental condition, have been simulated by the mathematical and analytical models and damping system is designed as reported by the obtained outcomes and consequences.