Research progress on the adaptability of lunar regolith simulant-based composites and lunar base construction methods

The development and utilization of lunar resources are entering a critical stage.Immediate focus is needed on key technologies for in-situ resource utilization(ISRU)and lunar base construction.This paper comparatively analyzes the basic characteristics of lunar regolith samples returned from Chang'e-5(CE-5),Apollo,and Luna missions,focusing on their physical,mechanical,mineral,chemical,and morphological parameters.Given the limited availability of lunar regolith,more than 50 lunar regolith simulants are summarized.The differences between lunar regolith and simulants concerning these parameters are discussed.To facilitate the construction of lunar bases,this article summarizes the advancements in research on construction materials derived from lunar regolith simulants.Based on statistical results,lunar regolith simulant-based composites are classified into 5 types by their strengthening and toughening mechanisms,and a comprehensive analysis of molding methods,preparation conditions,and mechanical properties is conducted.Furthermore,the potential lunar base construction forms are reviewed,and the adaptability of lunar regolith simulant-based composites and lunar base construction methods are proposed.The key demands of lunar bases constructed with lunar regolith-based composites are discussed,including energy demand,in-situ buildability,service performance,and structural availability.This progress contributes to providing essential material and methodological support for future lunar construction.

Design of a Light, Foldable and Flexibility Lunar Base

In this paper, to meet the environmental requirements for the lunar surface, we outline the design of an intelligent shape memory polymer(SMP) capsule structure of lightweight using a flexible composite skin. Key breakthrough technology for manufacturing the high-performance multilayer composite is utilized to realize the requirements for folding and compressing during launching, and unfolding on the lunar surface, taking into account the current opposing requirements for launching and the space transportation mission of large equipment. Based upon the reduced constraints, better expansibility and easy assembly, this lunar base is suited to the initial and interim phases of a moon construction, and provides a national solution in the construction of lunar base on moon.

A comprehensive review of lunar lava tube base construction and field research on a potential Earth test site

The Moon,as the closest celestial body to the Earth,plays a pivotal role in the progression of deep space exploration,and the establishment of research outposts on its surface represents a crucial step in this mission.Lunar lava tubes are special underground caves formed by volcanic eruptions and are considered as ideal natural shelters and scientific laboratories for lunar base construction.This paper begins with an in-depth overview of the geological origins,exploration history,and distribution locations of lunar lava tubes.Subsequently,it delves into the presentation of four distinctive advantages and typical concepts for constructing bases within lava tubes,summarizing the ground-based attempts made thus far in lunar lava tube base construction.Field studies conducted on a lava tube in Hainan revealed rock compositions similar to those found during the Apollo missions and clear lava tube structures,making it a promising analog site.Lastly,the challenges and opportunities encountered in the field of geotechnical engineering regarding the establishment of lunar lava tube bases are discussed,encompassing cave exploration technologies,in-situ testing methods,geomechanical properties under lunar extreme environments,base design and structural stability assessment,excavation and reinforcement techniques,and simulated Earth-based lava tube base.

Preparation and Characterization of High-Strength Geopolymer Based on BH-1 Lunar Soil Simulant with Low Alkali Content

The construction of a lunar base and habitation on the Moon has always been on researchers’minds.Building materials used in in situ lunar resources are of great significance for saving expensive space freight.In this study,a new type of lunar soil simulant named Beihang(BH)-1 was developed.The chemical mineral composition and microstructure of BH-1 closely resemble those of real lunar soil,as verified by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy(XRF),X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and reflectance spectra.This research also synthesized a geopolymer based on BH-1 cured at simulated lunar atmospheric conditions.We also investigated the effect of supplementing aluminum(Al)sources on the enhancement of geopolymer strength based on BH-1.The rheological behavior of alkali-activated BH-1 pastes was determined for workability.XRF,XRD,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,SEM coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy,and 27Al magic angle spinningnuclear magnetic resonance were used to characterize resulting geopolymers.Rheological test findings showed that the rheology of BH-1 pastes fits the Herschel–Bulkley model,and they behaved like a shear-thinning fluid.The results showed that the 28-day compressive strength of the BH-1 geopolymer was improved by up to 100.8%.Meanwhile,the weight of additives required to produce per unit strength decreased,significantly reducing the mass of materials transported from the Earth for the construction of lunar infrastructure and saving space transportation costs.Microscopic analyses showed that the mechanism to improve the mechanical properties of the BH-1 geopolymer by adding an additional Al source enhances the replacement of silicon atoms by Al atoms in the silicon–oxygen group and generates a more complete and dense amorphous gel structure.

Physical,mechanical and thermal properties of vacuum sintered HUST-1 lunar regolith simulant

Establishing a base on the Moon is one of the new goals of human lunar exploration in recent years.Sintered lunar regolith is one of the most potential building materials for lunar bases.The physical,mechanical and thermal properties of sintered lunar regolith are vital performance indices for the structural design of a lunar base and analysis of many critical mechanical and thermal issues.In this study,the HUST-1 lunar regolith simulant(HLRS)was sintered at 1030,1040,1050,1060,1070,and 1080℃.The effect of sintering temperature on the compressive strength was investigated,and the exact value of the optimum vacuum sintering temperature was determined between 1040 and 1060℃.Then,the microstructure and material composition of vacuum sintered HLRS at different temperatures were characterized.It was found that the sintering temperature has no significant effect on the mineral composition in the temperature range of 1030-1080℃.Besides,the heat capacity,thermal conductivity,and coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE)of vacuum sintered HLRS at different temperatures were investigated.Specific heat capacity of sintered samples increases with the increase of test temperature within the temperature range from-75 to 145℃.Besides,the thermal conductivity of the sintered sample is proportional to density.Finally,the two temperatures of 1040 and 1050℃were selected for a more detailed study of mechanical properties.The results showed that compressive strength of sintered sample is much higher than tensile strength.This study reveals the effects of sintering temperature on the physical,mechanical and thermal properties of vacuum sintered HLRS,and these material parameters will provide support for the construction of future lunar bases.

榫卯砌块结构静力与抗月震性能研究

介绍了一种采用榫卯砌块结构的月球基地设计方案,并提出了一种刚柔混合的建造方法。通过静力分析和动力时程分析研究了该结构的力学性能。在静力分析中,研究了不同榫卯形式和榫卯节点摩擦系数对结构受力的影响。在动力时程分析中,考虑了月震作用下结构的应力和位移响应。结果表明,采用斜角榫卯结构具有更大的承载能力和更小的变形,同时增加摩擦系数也可以提高结构的刚度和承载能力;采用斜角榫卯可以显著减小结构的响应,提高结构的安全性和可靠性,且随着摩擦系数的增加,结构的动力响应减小。

离散元法在月面建造力学分析中的研究及应用

【目的】为了深入了解月面建造过程中月壤的力学特性,评估月基装备性能,优化月面建造作业,开展离散元法(discrete element method,DEM)在月壤接触力学领域的应用调查研究,旨在利用离散元法为未来月球基地建设提供理论指导和技术支持。【研究现状】基于地质勘探、资源采集及运输、建造作业等月面原位建造任务场景,分析月壤颗粒的建模与参数标定,介绍月基装备与月壤的接触作用研究现状,概述离散元法在钻-壤作用模拟、铲-壤作用模拟、轮-壤作用模拟及足-壤作用模拟中的应用,探讨基于离散元法的天然月基承载力分析。【结论与展望】提出降低几何模型复杂度、优化粒间接触模型及参数是提高宏观尺度月壤离散元建模精度以应对大规模月面建造场景的有效方法。认为利用离散元法进行铲挖式月壤采集装置及足式月球车设计在未来可以为月面建造提供可靠的技术支持。面向月面建造,离散元法将在水冰资源利用、建筑物月面承载力分析等方面提供科学依据。

ESA月球村建造计划解析及启示

月球基地在未来具有重要的战略价值,可作为空间安全基地以及航天科学研究的平台。欧洲航天局(ESA)于2015年提出月球村的概念,并于2020年由其并行设施中心(CDF)发表了研究报告《月球村:月球栖息地概念设计》。本文基于该研究报告,首先,介绍了月球村的基本概念,包括其系统划分和总体布局,概述了月球村计划以建造月球栖息地为主要任务的具体实现方案。随后,本文解析了月球村计划的核心——月球栖息地的内部建筑设计与功能分区,并对月球栖息地刚性支撑框架+柔性充气外壳的混合结构特点进行了详细说明。最后,本文从电力、热控、辐射屏蔽三个角度分析了月球栖息地的维保系统设计,为未来的月球基地建造方案和计划提供参考。

月球资源低成本规模化批量运返技术方案设想

月球资源开发与利用是新时代世界航天大国月球探测的核心内容和焦点。本文介绍了月球资源开发工程的技术难点,提出了一种月球资源开发低成本规模化批量运返技术方案,其核心为全新设计的月基磁悬浮旋转抛射返回系统。该方案具有原创性强、易实现、高效益等技术优势和特点,能够大幅提升月球资源开发运返效率,降低运返成本,对实现月球资源规模化批量运返,促进其商业化开发具有重要的现实意义。同时本文还提出了月球资源开发应用系统大科学装置的构想,以服务于将来的月球探测科学研究以及月球资源开发与利用。

月球空间天气探测与研究进展

稳定的天体地质构造、与地球合适的距离、无稠密大气和全球磁场,使得月球成为日地月空间天气监测和研究的天然优良实验室。回顾了国内外月球空间天气探测和研究进展,梳理了月球空间天气关键科学问题及预报应用问题,提出了建立月球空间天气监测站的构想,明确了监测站具体科学目标,并介绍了监测站三大系统构成及相互关系,包括监测系统、科学研究系统以及建模与预报系统。建立月球空间天气监测站对研究太阳爆发活动、日地月耦合关系以及月球局地环境的变化具有重要的科学意义,也有利于促进月球空间天气建模和预报技术的发展,提升未来月球科研探索任务空间环境保障能力。

干支纪年与公元纪年互为转换的FOXBASE程序

通过ＦＯＸＢＡＳＥ语言程序把我国的干支纪年与公元纪年互为转换，这样可以把我国的干支纪年用公元纪年清楚地展现出来。

月基装备行走运动学分析与连续步态规划

针对缓冲行走功能一体的月面探测器构型设计困难、步态分析复杂等问题,提出了一种基于相同支链构型的四足月基装备(LBE)设计分析方法与连续步态规划方案。设计复合功能着陆腿机构及整机多状态位姿;构建LBE在行走状态下的单腿运动学模型,对其进行正逆运动学求解,分析单腿与整机工作空间和运动性能;对LBE整机进行水平月面的连续步态规划,并设计单步足端轨迹,通过动力学仿真,验证LBE行走步态稳定性。仿真结果表明:LBE沿前进方向连续稳定运行,质心竖直方向浮动仅占整器高度的0.24%,俯仰角最大摆动幅度为0.34°,翻滚角最大摆动幅度为0.27°。

跨临界CO_(2)热泵空间应用研究展望

随着中国深空探测事业的发展,建立月球基地成为未来载人航天活动的趋势,采用基于跨临界CO_(2)热泵的热控系统可以实现高效散热,具备降低辐射器面积和热控系统重量的应用潜力。对跨临界CO_(2)热泵空间应用具备的优势进行了总结,包括实现辐射器高效散热、热泵系统更高性能系数、压缩机体积更小等。同时指出了跨临界CO_(2)热泵空间应用存在的难题,包括现有热力学模型无法适应空间应用、热泵在低/微重力下油气分离效率低等。基于现存的难题,提出了未来的研究重点,以指导跨临界CO_(2)热泵的后续研究及空间应用。

月球熔岩管探测与开发方案设计

在总结前期探测成果和前人研究的基础上,结合对地球熔岩管洞穴的实地考察,深入分析月球熔岩管洞穴的探测开发价值与挑战。结合月球遥感探测数据,针对不同洞口构造的熔岩管,以中丰富海及静海两个典型熔岩管洞穴为案例,构建了由月面平台、探测器及自主机器人等组成的联合探测方案。围绕未来建设月球熔岩管洞穴基地的目标,深入分析熔岩管洞穴开发建设需求与挑战,进一步提出了熔岩管洞穴内部场坪建设、通信能源部署以及居住设施建造方案。

太阳能聚光模具烧结模拟月壤试验研究

太阳能原位烧结成型月壤可有效实现月球的原位资源利用,有望成为月球基地建造最具潜力的工艺之一。本文搭建了以HUST-1模拟月壤为原料的太阳能聚光模具烧结原理试验系统,采用COMSOL计算了太阳能聚光模具烧结过程的表面辐射和固体传热,并开展了大气和真空环境下烧结的初步试验。仿真结果显示,当太阳辐照度为1368 W/m^(2)时,模具内温度可达1100℃,满足月壤烧结成型的动力学要求。试验结果表明,烧结温度是太阳能聚光模具烧结月壤成型的关键工艺参数,当模具内温度达到800℃以上,模拟月壤开始固态烧结成型。受限于地球大气中悬浮颗粒对太阳光散射以及高温烧结阶段散热快导致的保温难、成型的块体强度较低等问题,需进一步优化试验系统,探究太阳能聚光烧结模拟月壤的致密化机理。

月壤-柔性充气膜组合式防护层力热性能分析

面向未来月球驻人基地建设速度快、运输成本低、可靠性高的需求,提出了月壤-柔性充气膜组合式防护层结构与刚性舱体相结合的月球基地建造方案。该建造方案以柔性充气膜作为主体承力结构,下方放置刚性舱体。对柔性充气膜单元进行模态分析,探究柔性充气膜单元固有振动频率与内压、覆盖月壤的厚度的关系,通过调整防护层参数改变结构频率从而避免与月震发生共振;在柔性充气膜上覆盖松软月壤并烧结表层月壤,通过热学与辐射仿真分析,对松软月壤隔热效果与防护层屏蔽辐射效果进行模拟,确定二者厚度,并对隔热性能与物性参数的敏感性进行探究;通过力学分析,探究柔性充气膜在给定厚度防护层下的变形量与膜厚、内压、肋径的关系。计算与仿真结果表明,该建造方案可以有效应对月面粒子辐射、月震与大交变温差环境,结构具有良好的力学稳定性,可为未来月球基地建造方式提供参考。

基于模型的载人登月全寿命周期故障管理方法

故障管理是管控复杂系统风险的重要途径,需要在系统研制、应用各个阶段开展相应的工作。随着基于模型的系统工程(MBSE)在航天领域的应用,也必须将基于模型的故障管理纳入到系统发展的全寿命周期之中。以载人登月任务为背景,结合MBSE方法论和传统的故障管理方法,从技术层面提出了贯穿于载人登月任务全寿命周期的任务级故障管理方法,包括基于模型的故障管理概念设计、架构设计、需求分析与捕获、需求验证与确认、故障评估与分析、操作和维护。并详述了在MBSE背景下上述内容的实现方式。最后从载人登月任务层的视角,给出了全寿命周期下基于模型的故障管理过程,为未来载人登月任务的故障管理提供了一套可行的实施框架。

月基紫外-光学-红外天文观测站点选取方法研究

月面独特的位置和环境优势,为天文观测提供了难得的机会。目前包括中国、美国、欧洲航天局、俄罗斯、日本、印度等在内的多个国家和机构都在大力开展月球探测。对于开展多种科学研究的月球探测计划,站点的选取需综合考虑各项科学的需求。本文主要介绍开展月基紫外-光学-红外天文观测对观测站点的需求,并针对该需求提出了评估某个候选站址是否满足天文观测需求的定量化分析方法。该方法适用于全月面范围内任意指定点的选址分析,将为规划中的国际月球科研站等月球探测计划的建设提供参考和支撑。

面向月球基地的自循环热管理及发电系统研究

针对月球基地热管理需求,根据月面热环境特点,设计了一种面向月球基地的新型自循环热管理及发电系统。系统将有机朗肯循环(ORC)和喷射制冷循环(ERC)相结合,以仪器设备散热和太阳能或核能废热为热源,以外部冷背景为冷源,系统内一部分的工质吸收热源,通过有机朗肯循环发电,另一部分工质通过蒸发器吸收航天员日常工作环境中的热量,为航天服和科学研究提供冷量。系统不需要外部电力,可以独立运行,实现发电与制冷。经分析模型计算,在满足月球基地热量收集、传输和排散的基础上,可以实现最大废热制冷率40%以上,总废热利用效率50%以上.

基于“嫦娥五号”月壤的TJC-1模拟月壤研制

认识“嫦娥五号”(Chang’E-5)月壤对人类理解月球具有重要意义。为满足月球基地原位建造用地聚合物3D打印试验对月壤的体量需求,基于Chang’E-5月壤的化学成分、物相组成和粒径分布,对标研制了全新的模拟月壤TJC-1。调查发现,满足低硅低铝条件的原料玄武岩在中国分布相当有限。经优选原料玄武岩进行粉磨制备,表征结果显示:TJC-1模拟月壤的SiO2和Al2O3含量分别为41.10%和12.02%;主要物相为普通辉石、钙长石和镁橄榄石;粒径分布与Chang’E-5月壤接近、中值粒径为40.09μm;微观形貌能够观察到与Chang’E-5月壤颗粒相似的锋利棱角形状。以上结果表明,所研制的TJC-1模拟月壤与Chang’E-5月壤具有很好的相似性,可用于模拟月壤地聚合物3D打印进行智能建造月球基地的研究。