Kevin E. Buettner
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Kevin E. Buettner is a leading researcher in the physics of particle-laden flows for extreme environments, with a primary focus on the hazards and opportunities presented by planetary regolith. His most cited work, "Particle Flow Physics Modeling for Extreme Environments" (2016, 2 citations), addresses a critical challenge for space exploration: the violent liberation of dust and debris caused by rocket plume impingement during spacecraft landings on unprepared surfaces like the Moon and Mars. Buettner’s modeling efforts directly inform mission risk assessments for both robotic and human exploration, helping to mitigate threats to hardware and crew from high-velocity ejecta. Beyond hazard analysis, his research extends to the fluidic transport and manipulation of regolith materials for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), a cornerstone of sustainable off-world operations. By bridging fundamental particle physics with applied aerospace engineering, Buettner’s work is essential for designing safer landers and advancing the technologies needed to process planetary soils for fuel, water, and construction. His contributions are foundational for the next generation of lunar and Martian missions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Particle Flow Physics Modeling for Extreme Environments2 citations · 2016