Earthmoving in the Lunar Environment

by Leonard E. Bernold, Univ of Maryland, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space

Abstract:

This paper analyzes the lunar 'earthmoving' process with inputs, outputs, and external conditions acting upon it. Lunar environmental conditions such as temperature, vacuum, reduced gravity, and radiation are studied in order to better understand the constraints they impose on the development of equipment and methods. Current terrestrial excavation, loading, and hauling technologies are presented with emphasis on possible applications and limitations. A model for computer simulation and sensitivity analysis of lunar 'earthmoving' systems is discussed and applied to one possible 'earthmoving' operation.

Subject Headings: Moon | Excavation | Computer models | Sensitivity analysis | Lunar materials | Earthmoving | Construction equipment

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