Realistic Regolith Models for Plume-Surface Interaction in Spacecraft Propulsive Landings

Abstract

The liberation of dust and debris particles by rocket plume impingement flow during spacecraft propulsive landing on unprepared regolith poses a high risk for robotic and human exploration activities. In order to assess the risks that arise from plume-surface interaction in space exploration missions, it is imperative to understand the regolith response based on its particle composition. In this effort, advances were made in modeling concepts for realistic granular flow physics that address the effects of both realistic irregular particle shapes and realistic particle size distributions, both major drivers in the complex particle flow response of the extra-terrestrial soil material. The novel approach developed is capable of accurately modeling granular mixtures with various particle sizes and shapes in an Eulerian-Eulerian framework, making the approach feasible for use in risk assessment of small and large-scale space exploration missions where plume/surface interactions take place.