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Discrete Element Method Simulation of a Boulder Extraction From an AsteroidThe force required to pull 7t and 40t polyhedral boulders from the surface of an asteroid is simulated using the discrete element method considering the effects of microgravity, regolith cohesion and boulder acceleration. The connection between particle surface energy and regolith cohesion is estimated by simulating a cohesion sample tearing test. An optimal constant acceleration is found where the peak net force from inertia and cohesion is a minimum. Peak pulling forces can be further reduced by using linear and quadratic acceleration functions with up to a 40% reduction in force for quadratic acceleration.

Document ID
20150000571
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kulchitsky, Anton K. (Alaska Univ. Fairbanks, AK, United States)
Johnson, Jerome B. (Alaska Univ. Fairbanks, AK, United States)
Reeves, David M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Wilkinson, Allen (Chaff, LLC Cleveland Heights, OH)
Date Acquired
January 16, 2015
Publication Date
October 27, 2014
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-18557
Meeting Information
Meeting: ASCE International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environments
Location: St. Louis, MO
Country: United States
Start Date: October 27, 2014
End Date: October 29, 2014
Sponsors: American Society of Civil Engineers, Missouri Univ. of Science and Technology
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 220933.01.04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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