A Study of Layered Structural Configurations as Thermal and Impact Shielding of Lunar Habitats
Abstract
The focus of this study is the analysis of a proposed multilayer material configuration as lunar habitat shielding so as to assess its ability to resist temperature extremes and impact. In order to resist this environmental hazard, the analysis will compare various configurations of potential shielding layers using both in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) and Earth-based materials. The technology for implementation of in-situ resources in construction is developing, though not yet able to produce a functional lunar habitat. As the lunar infrastructure is developed, ISRU techniques for manufacturing and construction may become more viable. Therefore, both types of materials are considered due to potential for application towards both near-term and long-term commencements of habitat construction. The thermal analysis in this paper utilizes the nonlinear heat equation to produce a depth-dependent temperature gradient from the habitat exterior to the interior that changes continuously with time during the lunar diurnal cycle. Static loading conditions meant to simulate the impact force of a 77.9 g meteorite were used to analyze the ability of a proposed multilayer shielding configuration to resist impact. A thermal stress analysis was performed to observe the effects of heat transfer through the proposed multilayer configuration. The results of this study should be useful in determining the potential for implementation of efficient shielding layers for the initial lunar base.
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- Authors
- Steiner, J. T., & Malla, R. B.
- Affiliations
- University of Connecticut (US)
- ORCID
- Malla, Ramesh B.
- Venue
- Earth and Space 2021
- Publisher
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- Published
- 2021-04-15
- Pages
- 1285-1296
- OpenAlex
- W3162895052
- Cited by
- 11
- References
- 10
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 1
- FWCI
- 9.09
- Type
- conference paper
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- ASCE International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments (Earth and Space) (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Astronomy and Astrophysics › Planetary Science and Exploration
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Aerospace Engineering › Spacecraft Design and Technology
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Aerospace Engineering › Space Exploration and Technology
- Keywords
- lunar habitats, multilayer shielding, heat shielding, impact shielding, in-situ resource utilization, lunar base construction, thermal stress analysis, heat transfer, meteorite impact
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