BIOMIMETIC DESIGN OF A MULTI-LAYERED DUST PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS OPERATING IN THE LUNAR ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

A method of identifying biologically meaningful keywords not obviously related to engineering keywords was developed to enhance discovery of relevant biological analogies for design problems. This paper reports the use of biologically meaningful keywords to identify biological analogies to generate solutions for protection required during lunar exploration. In lunar exploration, dust poses a significant problem due to its pervasiveness, adherence, and abrasiveness, causing premature failure of space suits and mechanisms. In this paper, biomimetic concepts are developed to protect a laser/telescope system. The resulting design is comprised of two subsystems. An antagonistic bending Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator system, inspired by bivalves (a class of molluscs that include scallops, clams, oysters and mussels), is used to control the opening and closing of a two-piece lid system, while a high-voltage DC field generator prevents charged dust particles from approaching the optical surfaces. Preliminary results indicate that the SMA actuation system is capable of greater than one-hundred repeatable lid-opening and closing cycles. In addition, the high-voltage DC field was capable of controlling and deflecting 98% of incoming charged polystyrene particles (Dmean = 1 mm) away from a representative surface. The method of using biologically meaningful keywords to identify analogies was successfully applied in this case and could be applied in a variety of settings to generate useful solutions.