Experimental measurements of excavation forces in lunar soil test beds

Michael Bucek, Juan H. Agui, Xiangwu Zeng, R. Allen Wilkinson

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

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

A series of experimental tests were performed with the aim of reproducing the in-situ geotechnical measurements conducted on the Surveyor lunar missions. An excavation and bearing test rig was set up that provided controlled high force actuation, and high resolution force and position measurement capabilities. Emphasis was placed methods of repeatable soil bin preparation. A replica of the returned Surveyor III excavator scoop, which is also identical to the Surveyor VII scoop, was fabricated and used in the test setup. Bearing forces using the replica model are compared with the Surveyor VII data. The forces and performance of a flat blade excavator and the SMSS in Nevada sand and JSC-1a lunar simulant are examined.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEarth and Space Conference 2008
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 11th Aerospace Division International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventEarth and Space Conference 2008: Proceedings of the 11th Aerospace Division International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments - Long Beach, CA, United States
Duration: 3 Mar 20085 Mar 2008

Publication series

NameEarth and Space Conference 2008: Proceedings of the 11th Aerospace Division International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments
Volume323

Conference

ConferenceEarth and Space Conference 2008: Proceedings of the 11th Aerospace Division International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLong Beach, CA
Period3/03/085/03/08

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