Universität zu Köln

Wang, Ya-Chun (2024). Effect of Ultraviolet Light on the Interaction of Lunar Regolith in an Electrodynamic Field. PhD thesis, Universität zu Köln.

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Abstract

Returning to the lunar surface necessitates the development of technologies that ensure the sustainability and longevity of exploration programs. One of the primary challenges in lunar missions is the pervasive presence of lunar dust, which presents ongoing issues for both astronauts and equipment. This study evaluates a lunar dust mitigation technology using an ultraviolet source to examine its dust removal efficiency under the primary charging mechanism of the Moon's surface: photoelectric emissions. The technology relies on particles carrying a charge to remove them using an applied electric field, and conveniently, there are plenty natural charging mechanisms that exist on the lunar surface. The current research gap lies in the limited understanding of the interaction between dust particles and electrodynamic dust removal technology (EDS) under realistic lunar conditions, specifically regarding the forces involved in grain mobilisation and their relationship with grain size and type. The dust removal efficiency of the EDS under UV was found to be much above 90\% across a range of simulants, size ranges and surface materials, except for a certain particle size range on Beta cloth. This highlights the potential of the EDS as a dust mitigation system, but also the need to avoid certain materials when possible, and the development of dedicated dust removal techniques when the use of certain materials cannot be avoided. Experiments were conducted in a vacuum environment with a UV source to study the forces influencing particle dynamics under various scenarios. Simulations of a simplified system assessing the magnitude of electric field strength and dielectrophoretic force established the required conditions for dust uplift in this system, and the results indicated a significant contribution of the dielectrophoretic force acting toward the EDS surface. These findings enhance the understanding of the working principles of the EDS system, both in general and in the context of lunar exploration.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD thesis)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Wang, Ya-Chun yaaachunwang@gmail.com UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-782473
Date:	2024
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences > Department of Physics > Institute of Physics I
Subjects:	Physics
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language EDS English Lunar Regolith English Dust Mitigation English
Date of oral exam:	16 September 2024
Referee:	Name Academic Title Sperl, Matthias Prof. Dr. Schadschneider, Andreas Prof. Dr.
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/78247