Centrifugal device for dust adhesion measurement

This article details the design, construction, and operation of a benchtop centrifuge tailored for adhesion measurements. The device is intentionally simple, leveraging widely available components and exclusively employing 3D printing as the manufacturing method. The centrifuge facilitates the measurement of detachment forces, with user-adjustable sample attachment points via an interface or double-sided tape. The adhesion force is determined by considering both the detachment force and the mass of the dust; to achieve this, optical microscopy may be employed to determine the dust mass accurately. A user-friendly graphical interface allows for the input of desired rotational speeds and durations, while a built-in encoder and PID algorithm ensure precise operation.

Dust adhesion presents significant challenges for measurement, and this centrifuge addresses these challenges through a compact, modular design comprising four 3D-printed components, an Arduino Uno, a power socket, wiring, a motor controller, bearings, an encoder-equipped motor, and a plastic dome. Assembly is completed with a set of screws.

The primary application of this device is to evaluate the detachment forces of lunar regolith simulants on various materials. However, the design is versatile and can be adapted for spectrometry or as a compact centrifuge for biological applications.