Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
Lunar habitat
In-situ resource utilization (ISRU)
Topological interlocking
Extraterrestrial construction
Sintered regolith
A pyramidal ISRU lunar habitat design based on topological interlocking of sintered regolith blocks
🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the reliance on binders and susceptibility to local failure in lunar habitat construction by proposing a binderless, pyramid-shaped habitat design utilizing topologically interlocking sintered regolith blocks. By integrating geometric interlocking mechanisms with a pyramidal morphology, the approach enables stable assembly without mechanical connectors. Finite element simulations employing the Drucker-Prager constitutive model are conducted to optimize the geometry of the interlocking blocks. The results demonstrate that the proposed structure exhibits significant fault tolerance against missing or damaged modules, effectively enhancing resistance to localized failure. These findings validate the engineering feasibility of this design for lunar in-situ resource utilization applications.
📝 Abstract
In this framing study, we propose a new lunar-habitat design based on topological interlocking of the building blocks. The design combines block geometries that permit interlocking without binders or connectors with a pyramidal overall structure. This approach is well suited for ISRU-enabled extraterrestrial construction. Finite element simulations employing the Drucker-Prager model confirm that habitats manufactured from lunar regolith using this concept are tolerant to local failures or missing blocks. We further suggest that this approach can be extended and improved by optimising the geometry of the interlockable building blocks.
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
topological interlocking
lunar habitat
ISRU
sintered regolith blocks
Drucker-Prager model
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