Measuring Lunar Dust Density

What is it about?

Using a combination of CFD based modeling of the Apollo Lunar Module rocket engine, a phenomenological dust transport model due to rocket plume gases, and an image processing technique to estimate an optical extinction coefficient of the lofted dust from the cockpit videos, the total dust eroded from the lunar surface by the lander is estimated.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Erosion and transport of granular fluids is a topic that has many applications. In the case of rocket based vehicles landing on the surface of extraterrestrial bodies, such as the Moon, Mars, or an asteroid, the details of the displacement of surface material by the rocket plume has several important implications. In some cases, a crater beneath the rocket may form, which may impact the safety and stability of the landing site. In other cases, "sand blasting" of facilities and equipment on the surface may be an issue that needs to be quantified.

Perspectives