Analysis of a Lunar Base Structure Using the Discrete-Element Method

Abstract

A lunar base structure must provide protection against various hazards such as bombardment by meteorites, radiation, or extreme changes in temperature. A possible structural solution was proposed in the literature. The lunar base, planned to be built in a long, narrow valley with solid rock walls, would consist of three main elements: a masonry vault, supported by the rock walls of the valley; a regolith layer a few meters thick on top of it to dissipate radiation and the kinetic energy of impacting meteorites, and to balance temperature; and inflatable units under the arch to serve as a living area for humans. The objective was to check the feasibility of this idea from a structural mechanics point of view. A two-dimensional discrete-element model of the vault-regolith system was constructed, and the behavior of the structure under its own weight was analyzed. Initial simulations on the effect of meteorite impacts were conducted, but a significantly improved model would be required to continue this analysis. This note summarizes the results to date.