Oklahoma State University postdoctoral fellow receives NASA funded grant

Oklahoma State University postdoctoral fellow receives NASA funded grant

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | [email protected]

Ali Ettehadi, a postdoctoral fellow and researcher in petroleum engineering at Oklahoma State University's School of Chemical Engineering, recently received approximately $30,000 as a NASA EPSCoR Research Initiation Grant.

The project titled, "Nano- and Micro-Scale Mechanical Characterization of Calcium Sulfate Veins in Terrestrial Martian Analog Rocks: Implications for Mars Sample Drilling Missions," aims to describe the mechanical properties of calcium sulfate veins within Martian analog rocks - which share similarities with Earth rocks - at a small scale.

Ettehadi began his Mars-related research nearly three years ago in collaboration with Dr. Mehdi Mokhtari at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. This grant represents another phase in his growing research efforts now centered at OSU.

Ettehadi worked with his collaborators: Dr. Mileva Radonjic, professor in petroleum engineering at OSU; Mokhtari and Dr. Robert C. Anderson, group supervisor and planetary geoscientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to help develop research ideas and initiate projects related to NASA's Mission Directorates.

"Leveraging the advanced facilities in Hydraulic Barrier Materials and Geomimicry Laboratory established by Dr. Radonjic at Oklahoma State University, enables techniques such as nano-indentation, micro-scratch tests and high-resolution microscopic imaging," Ettehadi said. "This research seeks to understand how these brittle veins, commonly found on Mars, respond to drilling forces.

"The state-of-the-art resources at OSU have been instrumental in inspiring and shaping the development of this project, allowing for precise and innovative analyses that support NASA's Mars exploration goals. Insights from these analyses will support the design of optimized tools to extract high-integrity samples during Mars exploration missions, aiding NASA's Mars Science Laboratory and Mars Sample Return initiatives."

During the six-month grant period, the primary goal is to establish a preliminary dataset on the nano- and micro-scale behavior of Martin analog rocks, collaborate with JPL on Mars geomechanics research and develop a research protocol for future studies. Findings will be shared with the scientific community through conferences and publications that align with NASA's goal of understanding Mars' geomechanics while improving sample collection technology.

"This project represents the initial phase of a larger research vision aimed at building long-term expertise in Martian geomechanics," Ettehadi said. "Through this grant, we anticipate establishing foundational data and valuable NASA connections, setting the groundwork for future projects and collaborations in planetary exploration."

Story By: Natalie Henderson | Prospective Student Services Coordinator | [email protected]

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