Repose Behavior of Lunar Simulants

Abstract

Repose behavior for lunar simulants has been characterized using an experimental rig onboard the Zero-G Plane, a microgravity aircraft. Utilizing the continual motion of rotating drums, measurements of repose flow behavior of lunar mare and lunar highlands simulants under varied gravity and pressure conditions have been conducted, resulting in a plausible scaling parameter for the angles of repose of the simulants JSC-1A, GRC-3, NULHT and OB-1. The relevant scaling parameter is √Fr where Fr = ω2R/geff is the Froude Number, with ω the drum rotation rate, R the drum radius, and geff is the effective gravitational acceleration acting on the simulant. We find sufficient evidence in the data to support the scaling hypothesis for the angle of repose.