Free Fall Penetrometer

The Geotechnical Laboratory has three blueDrop free fall penetrometers manufactured by blue C designs inc.  The blueDrop is a portable free-fall penetrometer used to collect in situ measurements of surficial sea floor sediments. This small lightweight penetrometer is highly suited for deployment from vessels of opportunity and can be easily configured for deployment from submersibles, making it compatible for use in areas with difficult access such as narrow canyons, highly energetic areas, and close offshore structures.

The bluDrop free fall penetrometer uses the dropView data visualization software. The dropView allows the user to calibrate the blueDrop and visualize the data collected. Using the acceleration profile with depth, the stiffness of the sediment can be assessed. Velocity / depth are determined by single / double integration of the acceleration.

More information about this device can be found here.