Analytical model for evaluating forces during extra-terrestrial regolith drilling for lunar missions
Abstract
Deep drilling systems in extra-terrestrial environments are crucial in scientific discoveries. It is planned to collect a sample core from lunar surface, and designing appropriate drilling systems requires knowledge of forces and moments encountered. A comprehensive analytical model for estimating drilling forces is desired, and in this paper, existing literature on soil failure theories as well as transport theories are consulted to arrive at such a model. The practice of drilling in batches to obtain multiple cores is also evaluated from a drill design perspective.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Soil Mechanics and Vehicle Dynamics
Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics
Tunneling and Rock Mechanics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 156–162
- Publication date
- 12 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter