Vibratory Excavation and Anchoring Tools for the Lunar Surface

This paper describes the results of research on the use of vibratory tools for lunar regolith moving, cutting and penetration. It has been shown that the effort required to accomplish these tasks can be significantly decreased by forced vibration. The purpose of this research is to study the various issues through model tests, including centrifuge modeling. It has been demonstrated that vibrating the blade of a model bulldozer significantly reduces the force needed to dig into and break up dense relatively unconfined soils. Depending on the boundary conditions even relatively dense soils tend to density further when subjected to certain forms of vibration. Test results obtained on model bulldozer systems, involving excavation of dense lunar simulants, are presented. It has also been demonstrated that penetration of the lunar surface can be accomplished more efficiently using vibratory tools. Research is currently being conducted in the area of screw-in plates, which might be used as anchors or supports for equipment, scientific instruments or foundation elements. Preliminary results of experiments performed using a model screw plate are presented. All of these effects give rise to the possibility of smaller, more efficient machines for lunar activities.