Electrostatic Shield for Lunar Dust Entering Mechanical Seals of Lunar Exploration Equipment

Abstract

A unique shield system for lunar dust has been developed using electrostatic force to prevent dust from entering into bearings and mechanical seals of equipment used for lunar exploration. A single-phase rectangular high voltage is applied to insulated parallel-plate electrodes printed on the edges of the gap in the mechanical sealing part. It was demonstrated that more than 70% of the dust was repelled from the gap with very little power, and it was predicted by numerical calculations performed using the distinct element method that the shielding performance of the system would improve further in the low-gravity and vacuum environment of the Moon. This technology is expected to increase the reliability of equipment used in long-term manned and unmanned activities on the lunar surface.