Engineering Analysis of the Lunar Micrometeoroid Impact

Human activities on the moon will expose equipment and infrastructure to a constant stream of very small, highspeed particles called micrometeoroids. Despite their size, they strike lunar structures at very high velocities and can potentially damage surfaces or shielding. This project will use the lunar environment data provided by Foundation Space Resources (partner) to perform first order initial engineering assessments of such impacts. Simplified analytical models implemented on MATLAB will be used to estimate pressure during impact , possibility of penetration as well as likelihood of structural damage. These initial calculations will help translate environment data into engineering insight which will be crucial for early-stage design decisions. The results will also support partner organization’s longer-term goals of developing a lunar digital twin models by providing initial impact physics process that can feed into their broader simulations of lunar infrastructure performance.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ron Miller;Alexander Jablonski

Student:

Partner:

Foundation Space Resources Corporation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Carleton University

Program: