Discrete Element Simulation of lunar dust suspension caused by lunar rover wheel

Abstract

Lunar dust may be readily suspended from the lunar surface and transported by lunar rover. It can accumulate on sensitive power components and reduce their performance. This paper presents a Discrete Element Method (DEM) analysis of the lunar dust distribution caused by lunar rover wheel rotated. Based on the characteristics of lunar dust, a lunar dust particles collision model is built. A simulation based on Discrete Element Method which a specific lunar rover wheel with the speed of 0.5m/s, 1 m/s, 3 m/s,5 m/s, 7 m/s, the maximum height of raised lunar dust particles will be 0.015m, 0.024m, 0.32m, 1.20m, 3.20m. The simulation shows that when the faster the lunar rover travelling, the higher lunar dust raising caused by lunar rover. This quantitative analysis dedicates to the relationship between the speed of lunar rover traveling and height of lunar dust raising caused by lunar rover wheel. This research is significant for China Moon Exploration project. Meanwhile, this research provides a reference for Chinese lunar rover travelling under the lunar dust environment.