Basalt fiber composites for the robotic fabrication of a lunar habitat
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Date
2022
Publication Type
Conference Paper
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Abstract
This study investigates the mechanical properties of a novel composite for a lunar space habitat. The research aims to identify high-mechanical strength materials for a robotically fabricated habitat with in-situ resources. Several basalt fiber types and cementitious matrices were investigated for building a fiber-reinforced composite. The effect of the basalt fiber type - chopped, spooled, and long; and fiber percentage - 1 wt. %, 5 wt. %, and 10 wt. %; was investigated. The samples were initially exposed to a maximum lunar environmental temperature of 117°C and a medium vacuum of 0.01 atm for 24 hours. Then, these samples were tested after curing for flexural and compressive strengths until failure and cracking occurred. The 10% chopped basalt fiber and the 5% long basalt fiber composite proved the most promising combination for a high-mechanical strength composite. These composites demonstrated an improved compressive and flexural strength for the cement slurry. Moreover, this study enables the robotic fabrication potential of a mechanically resilient lunar habitat.
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published
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Book title
IAC-2022
Journal / series
Volume
Pages / Article No.
68749
Publisher
International Astronautical Federation
Event
73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2022)
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Subject
Space habitat, In-Situ Resource Utilization, Lunar regolith, Basalt Fiber, Robotic Fabrication; Space habitat; In-situ resource utilization; Lunar regolith; Basalt fiber; Robotic fabrication
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Notes
Conference lecture held on September 19, 2022.