P. K. Srirama

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of California, Davis

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

P. K. Srirama is a leading researcher in planetary dust electrostatics, with a focus on the triboelectric charging behavior of extraterrestrial regolith. His work is critical to understanding and mitigating dust hazards for future human and robotic missions to the Moon and Mars. Srirama’s most cited study, "Tribocharging Characteristics of the Mars Dust Simulant (JSC Mars-1)" (2008, 27 citations), provides foundational data on how Martian dust accumulates electrostatic charge—a phenomenon that can impair equipment, obstruct vision, and compromise mission safety. This research has been referenced in major NASA studies addressing the risks of dust adhesion and electrostatic discharge. In his related work, "Lunar and Martian Dust Dynamics" (2010, 10 citations), Srirama explores the physical transformation of dust particles under space conditions, linking laboratory simulations to real-world mission challenges. His contributions are particularly notable for supporting NASA’s strategic goals in planetary exploration, offering essential insights into dust mitigation technologies. Through precise experimental characterization of simulants like JSC Mars-1, Srirama has helped bridge the gap between terrestrial testing and the harsh realities of extraterrestrial environments, making him a key figure in planetary surface operations research.