Abstract Using Lunar Dust Environment Simulator, the effects of friction and abrasion of lunar dust simulants in vacuum were investigated at the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft environment Engineering (BISEE). The abrasion characteristics of lunar dust on materials were studied, focusing on the CE-3 rover wheel axles. The sample coupons included aluminum alloy, Teflon and steel materials used on axle. The surface morphology of before-test and post-test samples were analyzed. The friction coefficient curves were acquired in vacuum dust environment. The mass losses of materials were analyzed. In vacuum conditions without the application of lunar dust simulant, the abrasion degree of the friction pair was highest. The introduction of the lunar dust simulant can significantly change the friction–abrasion status. The abrasion of PTFE material was more serious than that of the aluminum alloy without the lunar dust conditions; while the abrasion of aluminum alloy exceeded that of the PTFE material with the participation of lunar dust particles.
Abrasion Research on Axle Materials with the Influence of Simulated Lunar Dust
2017-01-01
8 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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SAE Technical Papers | 2009
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