Development and mechanical properties of structural materials from lunar simulants by thermal liquefaction

Abstract

Plans for development of human colonies on the Moon, Mars or other planets will require the investigation of new structural materials. In order to foster self-sufficiency and to make the colonies economically feasible, materials must be developed from locally available resources when possible. In this investigation a material made from a lunar soil simulant has been developed and tested for its mechanical properties. The simulant was mixed with varying percentages of aluminum, stainless steel and carbon steel fibers and heated to 1100°C to form a solid material. Beam shaped samples were cut from these specimens for bending tests. From the intact portions of the tested beams, samples for compression testing were cut and tested. Analysis of the results includes bending strength, compressive strength, and investigation of elastic moduli. The material was found to have significant strength in bending and compression. Results indicate the presence of fibers significantly changes the behavior of the material.