Experiment on Particle Conveying Mechanism for Lunar Soil Containing Basalt Particles

Based on the analysis results of components and the particle diameter distribution of lunar soil, some basalt particles with different diameters are mixed into homogeneous soil to simulate the drilling process and particles conveying condition. Lunar soil containing basalt particles with different diameters can affect drilling process, penetration rate and conveying power consumption. The experiment results revealed that basalt particles move upward in an irregular spiral state during drilling; the basalt particles can convey smoothly and has little effect on drilling process, penetration rate and power consumption when the particle diameter is less than 5 mm. The basalt particles can’t convey smoothly and has great effect on penetration rate and power consumption while particle diameter is bigger than 10 mm. Particles in lunar soil will lead to torque increasing sharply and drilling pressure on bit adding to achieve continuous drilling.