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A Simple Method of Producing Lunar Soil Simulants for Engineering Studies

by Koon Meng Chua, Univ of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,
Scott Pringle, Univ of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,
Stewart W. Johnson, Univ of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Engineering, Construction, and Operations in Space IV

Abstract:

This paper suggests that it is possible to obtain large quantities of simulated lunar regolith that can be used for feasibility studies of lunar base construction and excavation machinery and processes, from a commonly available vesicular basalt. To crush the basalt, a concrete batch mixer was used. The mixer was modified and filled with charges (steel balls). Results show that by varying the number of charges and operating time, it is possible to obtain different gradation curves, including one that emulates the Apollo 17 lunar regolith.

Subject Headings: Lunar materials | Space construction | Soil analysis | Volcanic deposits | Regolith | Feasibility studies | Soil properties

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