Abstract
AbstractThe geotechnical properties of Martian soils are critical parameters in predicting and simulating soil behavior with regard to vehicle performance on Mars. In preparation for manned or robotic missions to Mars, surface vehicles must be tested on terrains that represent the mechanical characteristics of the Martian ground. This paper presents the development of a lightweight simulant and its preparation method to emulate the mechanical properties of Martian soil for high sinkage mobility tests. A geotechnical testing program was developed to measure specific gravity, particle size distribution, bulk density, compression indices and shear strength. The simulant can achieve the typical Martian regolith density range, which is approximately 38% of that on earth. This is of particular importance because strength parameters of granular materials, which characterize the plastic behavior of soil samples in sinkage tests, are controlled by the effective confining pressure, which itself is induced by gravity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
