3D Discrete Element Modeling of Cone Penetration into the JSC-1A Lunar Regolith

Furthering human exploration of the Moon will require the use of resources that may already be readily available on the lunar surface. This includes regolith and other materials that exist in varying depths depending on the location. However, accessing these materials and resources will require an accurate understanding of the geotechnical properties of the lunar regolith on the Moon’s surface, which can be determined through evaluation of the cone penetration process. This paper aims to develop a three-dimensional discrete element model (DEM) to gain an understanding of how lunar regolith reacts during cone penetration. To simulate the particles of lunar regolith, clumps are designed in a DEM using the calibrated contact parameters of the JSC-1A lunar regolith simulants. The DEM models are used to evaluate the regolith reactions such as contact force, velocity, displacement, and rotation of the regolith particles during the penetration process. The tip resistance and sleeve friction as they relate to an increase in depth are presented in this paper. Sensitivity studies are conducted to study the effects of different cone angles and cone diameters on the resulting tip resistance and sleeve friction during the penetration process.