3D printing of flexible parts out of lunar regolith simulant

IF 3.1 2区物理与天体物理 Q1 ENGINEERING, AEROSPACE Acta Astronautica Pub Date : 2025-02-04 DOI:10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.02.003

Miranda Fateri , Achim Frick , Constantin Schuler , Tim Schubert , Jochen Hoffmann , Jacobus van der Walt , Michael Salinas

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Abstract

On-site manufacturing using lunar regolith holds significant importance for lunar explorations. Concerning the lunar on-site manufacturing, the layer-wise material extrusion approach enables an automated method for fabricating components from lunar regolith blends. In this study, several samples of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPU) mixed with lunar regolith simulant (10 %, 20 %, and 30 % by weight) were 3D printed using ARBURG Plastic Freeforming (APF) technology within a feasibility study. The mixture ratio and homogeneity of the lunar regolith simulant distribution within the 3D printed samples was assessed using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-Ray Microscopy (XRM). Mechanical properties of the 3D printed TPU samples as well as the mixed TPU with different mixture ratios of lunar regolith simulant were examined using a universal tensile testing machine. Moreover, the internal structures of the 3D printed samples were analysed using XRM. Finally, several functional samples, such as flexible tubes for lunar applications, were 3D printed to demonstrate the capabilities of the APF process.

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利用月球碎石进行现场制造对月球探测具有重要意义。在月球现场制造方面，分层材料挤压法是利用月球碎屑混合料制造部件的自动化方法。在本研究中，在可行性研究中使用 ARBURG 塑料自由成型（APF）技术 3D 打印了几种热塑性弹性体（TPU）与月球碎屑模拟物（按重量计分别为 10%、20% 和 30%）混合的样品。使用热重分析（TGA）和 X 射线显微镜（XRM）评估了三维打印样品中的混合比例和月球岩石模拟物分布的均匀性。使用通用拉伸试验机检测了三维打印热塑性聚氨酯样品以及不同月球碎屑模拟物混合比例的混合热塑性聚氨酯的机械性能。此外，还使用 XRM 分析了 3D 打印样品的内部结构。最后，还三维打印了一些功能性样品，如月球应用的柔性管，以展示 APF 工艺的能力。

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来源期刊

Acta Astronautica 工程技术-工程：宇航

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

22.90%

发文量

599

审稿时长

53 days

期刊介绍： Acta Astronautica is sponsored by the International Academy of Astronautics. Content is based on original contributions in all fields of basic, engineering, life and social space sciences and of space technology related to: The peaceful scientific exploration of space, Its exploitation for human welfare and progress, Conception, design, development and operation of space-borne and Earth-based systems, In addition to regular issues, the journal publishes selected proceedings of the annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC), transactions of the IAA and special issues on topics of current interest, such as microgravity, space station technology, geostationary orbits, and space economics. Other subject areas include satellite technology, space transportation and communications, space energy, power and propulsion, astrodynamics, extraterrestrial intelligence and Earth observations.

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