An unmanned aerial vehicle with vibration sensing ability (seismic drone)
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Abstract
We describe the design, testing, and potential of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) with seismic sensing capabilities. The seismic or vibration sensing platform (four 100 Hz geophones plus recording electronics) is attached to a 3DR Solo Quadcopter drone. The geophone spikes become the drone’s landing legs. The drone and its geophone payload have been successfully flown a number of times with take-off, programmed or remotely controlled navigation, landing, and recording. We have conducted tests (using hammer and weight drop sources) to compare the response of the landed seismic-drone system to planted geophones and a conventional cabled seismic system. The seismic traces from the drone are quite similar to those of the planted geophones. To test the spike penetration on landing, we created three different scenarios (dropping the drone on sand, grass and dry clay) and measuring the depth of penetration (up to 20 mm). We conducted a walk-away survey with the drone versus a planted geophone line. Again the drone and planted geophone responses are very similar. We conclude that the drone-mounted geophone platform can fly to a site, land, and record seismic vibrations with similar quality as planted geophones. Detachable and roving seismic platforms may further increase the drone’s seismic reach. Drones show considerable promise for various kinds of seismic measurements and surveys.