The contact force between lunar-based equipment and lunar soil

Area of Science:

• * Lunar geology and regolith mechanics
• * Robotics and mechanical engineering for extraterrestrial applications

Background:

• * Lunar-based equipment is crucial for moon exploration tasks like excavation and transportation.
• * Precise gait control and mobile stability depend on understanding the foot-lunar soil interaction mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To propose and validate a contact model for lunar equipment feet.
• * To predict stress, strain, and displacement in lunar soil under vertical load.
• * To enhance the accuracy of lunar exploration equipment control.

Main Methods:

• * Development of a novel contact model to simulate foot-lunar soil interaction.
• * Experimental verification of the model's axial stress predictions.
• * Simulation-based validation of the model's accuracy for lunar equipment.

Main Results:

• * The proposed contact model accurately predicts axial stress, with errors within a reasonable range.
• * The model's predicted load influence depth aligns with experimental findings.
• * Simulations confirm the model's effectiveness for lunar equipment applications.

Conclusions:

• * A validated and accurate contact model for lunar equipment feet and lunar soil has been established.
• * The model provides a reliable tool for describing contact forces, crucial for lunar exploration.
• * This research will advance the development and performance of lunar exploration technologies.