A pyramidal ISRU lunar habitat design based on topological interlocking of sintered regolith blocks

arXiv (Cornell University)

Abstract

In this framing study, we propose a new lunar-habitat design based on topological interlocking of the building blocks. The design combines block geometries that permit interlocking without binders or connectors with a pyramidal overall structure. This approach is well suited for ISRU-enabled extraterrestrial construction. Finite element simulations employing the Drucker-Prager model confirm that habitats manufactured from lunar regolith using this concept are tolerant to local failures or missing blocks. We further suggest that this approach can be extended and improved by optimising the geometry of the interlockable building blocks.

Authors 4

1. Lukas Schnelle Aachen Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory , RWTH Aachen University , Pontdriesch 10-16 , Aachen 52062 , Germany

   Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design , RWTH Aachen University , Wüllnerstraße 7 , Aachen 52062 , Germany

2. Kai-Uwe Schröder Aachen Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Structural Mechanics and Lightweight Design , RWTH Aachen University , Wüllnerstraße 7 , Aachen 52062 , Germany

3. Alice C. Niemeyer Aachen Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory , RWTH Aachen University , Pontdriesch 10-16 , Aachen 52062 , Germany

4. Yuri Estrin

   Monash University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Materials Science and Engineering , Monash University , Building 37 , 19 Rainforest Walk , Clayton VIC , 3800 , Australia