Activities for the Wireless Dynamics Sensor System - Vernier ...

Activities for the Wireless Dynamics Sensor SystemAlso, uncheck the Sample at Time Zero box if it is selected.8. Click on the Triggering tab and set up the WDSS to triggerand begin recording data when the force increases above0.1 N as indicated in Figure 4.The Simulated Landings9. Attach the PVC tubing to the ring stand using the buretteclamp. Be sure the tubing is directly above the base of thestand. Insert the wooden dowel into the PVC tubing withthe threaded end pointing down towards the ring standbase.10. Screw the bumper into the force sensor end of the WDSS.Thread the WDSS onto the wooden dowel using themounting hole at the end opposite the bumper. Align thebumper so it is centered above the base of the ring stand.Raise the WDSS as high as it can go and hold it in placewith the clothes pin.Figure 411. Fill the soil container 10 cm deep with the first test soil. (Since you will be testing allfour types of soil, it does not matter which is done first.) Place the soil container onthe base of the ring stand so the container is centered directly below the WDSS.12. Clickto zero the force sensor.13. Hold the wooden dowel and remove the clothes pin. Click to prepare theWDSS for data collection. (The graph will display the message “Waiting for Trig geror Data…”) Release the dowel and allow the WDSS to impact the soil sample. Whendata collection is complete, raise and secure the WDSS to its highest position with theclothes pin.14. Study the force-time graph (impact signature) carefully. Pay close attention to howthe impact force changes with time and how fast the changes take place. You maywant to repeat Step 12 – 13 several times to be sure you understand the characteristicsof the impact signature for this type of soil. Save at least one of your force-timegraphs by choosing Store Latest Run from the Experiments Menu.15. Repeat Steps 11 – 14 using the other three soil samples.QUESTIONS1. Sketch a typical impact signature for each of the soils you tested. Label the keyfeatures of the graphs.2. Review the Huygens’ probe data. Based on the results of your tests, hypothesize as tothe composition of the soil on Titan. Defend your hypothesis.3. Describe the limitations of this procedure for determining the composition of Titan’ssoil at the location of impact.4. Describe changes to this experiment and additional tests you would recommend totest your hypothesis.© 2007 - Vernier Software & Technology 17