In situ resource utilization (ISRU) of lunar regolith is indispensable for the success of large-scale and long-term human lunar explosions at lower costs. Many new technologies must be developed to realize efficient ISRU. Because particle sorting is one of the essential processes of ISRU, a unique technology has been developed using the balance between electrodynamic and gravitational forces. First, a sorting system using an electrodynamic standing wave was developed. The particles on the parallel-line electrodes were agitated by the electrodynamic force created by the application of a standing wave, and floated small particles at a high altitude were collected in a box located above the electrodes. The experiment and numerical calculation indicated that although a high collecting position was preferable for sorting small particles, a large number of small particles hardly reached a high position and a high yield was not attained. Next, an improved sorting system that uses a traveling wave instead of a standing wave was developed to mitigate the incompatibility. When a four-phase high voltage is applied to the vertically supported parallel-line electrodes, an electrodynamic traveling wave is formed above the electrodes, forcing small regolith particles to move upward at a high position, while large particles are apt to fall. Additionally, particles were fed through a vibrating sieve to break off the aggregated particles. Finally, an averaged particle size of 12    μ m and 30% in a yield of particles less than 10    μ m particles was attained. The system would be suitable for space applications because it is simple, lightweight, has low power consumption, and does not require any mechanical drive or consumables.


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    Titel :

    Improved Electrodynamic Particle-Size Sorting System for Lunar Regolith


    Beteiligte:

    Erschienen in:

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2021-09-27




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Unbekannt



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