An experimental investigation of size sorting of lunar simulants in terrestrial and lunar gravity

X. Zeng, R. A. Wilkinson, J. H. Agui, K. Fromwiller, B. Larsen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Lunar surface missions will rely on In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies for a sustained presence. These technologies will be enhanced by the use of beneficiation approaches of lunar regolith to increase efficiency and performance of regolith processors for oxygen and water production. An experimental investigation to determine the performance of size sorting concepts of lunar simulants was performed under terrestrial and lunar gravity on the Zero-G aircraft. Two hardware concepts were tested which were based on screen sieving techniques. The effects of vibration and sifting agitation, use of JSC-1a and NU-LHT-2M lunar simulants, and different mesh sizes were investigated. The sieving percentage was determined by simple weighing of passing particles. Imaging of the sieving process to provide physical insight was also provided during the flight tests. Despite the limited low-g period (approximately 20 seconds) the data provided sufficient information to determine the performance and operational issues of operating over longer periods in a relevant low-g environment. The results of sieving performance, hardware operation, and testing in terrestrial and lunar gravity will be discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEarth and Space 2010
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments - Proceedings of the 12th International Conference
Pages21-28
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event12th International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments - Earth and Space 2010 - Honolulu, HI, United States
Duration: 14 Mar 201017 Mar 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 12th International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments - Earth and Space 2010

Conference

Conference12th International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments - Earth and Space 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHonolulu, HI
Period14/03/1017/03/10

Keywords

  • Experimentation
  • Gravity
  • Moon

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