Abstract
A unique shield system for lunar dust has been developed using electrostatic force to prevent dust from entering into bearings and mechanical seals of equipment used for lunar exploration. A single-phase rectangular voltage is applied to insulated parallel plate electrodes printed on the edges of the gap in the mechanical sealing part. It was demonstrated that more than 70% of the dust was repelled from the gap, and it was predicted by numerical calculations performed using the distinct element method that the shielding performance of the system would improve further in the low-gravity and vacuum environment of the Moon. This technology is expected to increase the reliability of equipment used in long-term manned and unmanned activities on the lunar surface.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Earth and Space 2012 - Proceedings of the 13th ASCE Aerospace Division Conference and the 5th NASA/ASCE Workshop on Granular Materials in Space Exploration |
| Pages | 104-110 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Event | 13th Biennial ASCE Aerospace Division International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments, Earth and Space 2012 and the 5th NASA/ASCE Workshop on Granular Materials in Space Exploration - Pasadena, CA Duration: 2012 Apr 15 → 2012 Apr 18 |
Other
| Other | 13th Biennial ASCE Aerospace Division International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments, Earth and Space 2012 and the 5th NASA/ASCE Workshop on Granular Materials in Space Exploration |
|---|---|
| City | Pasadena, CA |
| Period | 12/4/15 → 12/4/18 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Building and Construction