Advances in extra-terrestrial structural design: From moonquakes to ISRU
Location
Online event
This will be the first workshop under an EPSRC-funded project focusing on the design of regolith-based shielding structures on the Moon/Mars
About this event
Dates: Thursday 17th + Friday 18th September
As the kick-off workshop for the EPSRC project ‘Designing for the Future: Optimising the structural form of regolith-based monolithic vaults in low-gravity conditions’, the aim is to investigate the behaviour of monolithic adobe structures in low-gravity to design optimal structures.
In support of future space exploration, such structures will act as shielding to protect critical assets (such as robots, fuel tanks and power stations) and future inflatable structures (such as living quarters) from extreme extra-terrestrial environments.
Linear and nonlinear numerical structural modelling and parametric static and dynamic analyses will identify the optimal design approach. The aim is to utilise in-situ resources for construction, so as to minimise the weight on future manned explorations.
There have been much recent and ongoing research on: 1. the mechanical properties of regolith (simulants); 2. the In-situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) framework; and 3. the advances in 3D printing for extra-terrestrial construction. We believe it is time to combine the breakthroughs made in these fields with structural design strategies developed for engineered structures on Earth, in order to define a multidisciplinary approach towards identifying optimal forms in low-gravity structures, subject to extra-terrestrial dynamic environmental actions.
This workshop will focus on advances in extra-terrestrial structural design covering many aspects of the project:
• ENVIRONMENT: Natural hazards with a particular focus on ground motions (moonquakes and meteor impacts)
• STRUCTURES: Particularly optimising regolith shielding structures
• MATERIALS: Structural materials made out of local regolith following the In-Situ-Resource-Utilisation (ISRU) strategy
• APPLICATIONS: Including ISRU, robotics, 3D printing in extreme conditions, and more.
Workshop Programme
Thursday 17/09
15:00-15:30 Introduction by Dr Georgios Kampas, University of Greenwich and Dr Sam Wilkinson, Foster + Partners
15:30-16:10 Keynote Lecture: An Overview of Extra-Terrestrial Construction Activities at NASA and Future Trends by Rob Mueller, NASA Swamp Works
16:10-16:40 Prof Haym Benaroya, Rutgers University
16:40-17:10 Angeliki Kapoglou, ESA, UCL IIPP
17:10-17:40 Prof Yosio Nakamura, University of Texas @ Austin
17:40-18:10 Dr Olga-Joan Ktenidou, National Observatory of Athens
18:10-18:40 Dr Nicos Kalapodis, University of Greenwich
18:40-19:10 Dr Christian Málaga-Chuquitaype, Imperial College London
Friday 18/09
15:30-16:00 Prof Matthias Sperl, DLR
16:00-16:30 Dr Philip Metzger, University of Central Florida, Florida Space Institute
16:30-17:00 Hanna Läkk, ESA Advanced Concepts Team
17:00-17:30 Dr Sam Wilkinson, Foster + Partners
17:30-18:00 Dr Thanos Goulas, Loughborough University
18:00-18:30 Keegan Kirkpatrick, RedWorks Construction Technologies Inc.
18:30-19:00 Prof Yang Gao, FAIR SPACE Hub, Surrey Space Centre-STAR LAB
19:00 Discussion -- Closure
All times mentioned above are UTC+01:00 (UK time).
Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Grant: EP/S036393/1
PI of the project: Dr Georgios Kampas, University of Greenwich, UK
Research Associate: Dr Nicos Kalapodis, University of Greenwich, UK
Academic Project Partners:
Dr Olga-Joan Ktenidou, National Observatory of Athens, Greece
Prof Jonathan Knappett, University of Dundee, UK
Prof Yosio Nakamura, University of Texas @ Austin, USA
FAIR SPACE Hub, Surrey, UK
Industrial Partners:
Foster + Partners
AECOM
It is suggested to register for both days.
The programme and the link to the workshop will be communicated to the attendees closer in time.