Measuring Regolith Strength in Reduced Gravity Environments in the Laboratory

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel Shear and Compression Cell (SCC) designed to measure the mechanical properties of regolith in low-gravity environments using a drop tower, aiding planetary exploration research.

Contribution

The paper presents a new laboratory device capable of simulating reduced gravity conditions to assess regolith strength for space missions.

Findings

SCC can measure Young's modulus, internal friction, cohesion, and tensile strength in low gravity.

The device successfully simulates lunar and Titan gravity environments.

Results inform future planetary surface interaction strategies.

Abstract

This paper presents the design and development of a Shear and Compression Cell (SCC) for measuring the mechanical properties of granular materials in low-gravity environments. This research is motivated by the increasing interest in planetary exploration missions that involve surface interactions, such as those to asteroids and moons. The SCC is designed to measure key mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, angle of internal friction, bulk cohesion, and tensile strength, under both reduced gravity and microgravity conditions. By utilizing a drop tower with interchangeable configurations, we can simulate the gravitational environments of celestial bodies like the Moon and Titan. The SCC, coupled with the drop tower, provides a valuable tool for understanding the behavior of regolith materials and their implications for future space exploration missions.