Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Open Access Master's Report
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MS)
Administrative Home Department
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Advisor 1
Paulus van Susante
Committee Member 1
Jung Yun Bae
Committee Member 2
Stephen Morse
Abstract
Space exploration has rapidly developed in recent years as scientists look to the lunar surface for water ice in permanently shadowed regions. The excavation and decomposition of water outside of Earth’s atmosphere could provide in-situ resources for propellant manufacturing and sustaining life. However, without informed design parameters for lunar exploration and infrastructure development, time will be wasted on systems unfit for the harsh environment. Testing facilities that simulate the environmental conditions are required to better understand the forces these complex systems may face while extraterrestrial.
The force test stand is a unique mechanism that collects tensile and compressive force data within temperatures ranging from -40 to 20℃. At these temperatures, MTU-LHT-1A Lunar Highland Simulant [1] with varying water ice weight percentages can be dry-mixed [2] and excavated to accurately simulate lunar conditions. Eight S-type load cells are placed throughout the frame to collect force readings from the resulting interactions between the mounted system and regolith simulant. These results can further inform design revisions for weight and power reduction before the system is sent offworld.
Recommended Citation
Gaertner, Faith D., "TEST STAND DEVELOPMENT: AN ANALYSIS OF EXCAVATION FORCES WITHIN A SIMULATED LUNAR ENVIRONMENT", Open Access Master's Report, Michigan Technological University, 2025.