• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.26-34
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• 2019

In this paper, a coarse lunar soil model is developed using discrete element method and its computed physical properties are compared with those of the actual lunar soil for its validation. The surface of the actual moon consists of numerous craters and rocks of various sizes, and it is covered with fine dry soil which seriously affects the landing stability of the lunar lander. Therefore, in consideration of the environment of the lunar regolith, the lunar soil is realized using discrete element method. To validate the coarse model of lunar soil, the simulations of the indentation test and the direct shear test are performed to check the physical properties(indentation depth, cohesion stress, internal friction angle). To examine the performance of the proposed model, the drop simulation of finite element model of single-leg landing gear is performed on proposed soil models with different particle diameters. The impact load delivered to the strut of the lander is compared to test results.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.66-74
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• 2019

Instead of securing thermophysical properties throughout the entire lunar surface, a theoretical method to predict the lunar surface temperature accurately using improved Lumped System Model (LSM) was developed. Based on the recently published research, thermal mass per unit area at the top regolith layer is assumed uniform. The function of bottom conductive heat flux was introduced under the theoretical background. The LSM temperature prediction agrees well with the DLRE measurement except for dusk, dawn and high latitude region where the solar irradiation is weak. The relative large temperature discrepancy in such region is caused by the limit of the bottom conductive heat flux model. The surface temperature map of the moon generated by the LSM method is similar to the DLRE measurement except for the anomalous temperature zones where surface topography and thermophysical properties appear in highly uneven.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.81-90
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• 2024

With the discovery of energy resources such as water ice on the Moon's surface, the Moon is attracting attention as an outpost for deep space exploration. As the concept of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) for establishing sustainable deep space exploration outposts gains traction, there is an increasing demand for technology to solidify lunar regolith as an in situ resource. In this study, sintered blocks were manufactured using a hybrid microwave sintering furnace. The effects of system configuration and dwell time on the microwave sintering efficiency were assessed. The results indicated that the composition of the SiC susceptor and its distance from the magnetron influenced the manufacturing of homogeneous sintered blocks. Additionally, varying the dwell time at a sintering temperature of 1,080℃ under optimal conditions revealed that exceeding the threshold dwell time caused the sintered blocks to become heterogeneous, thereby reducing the sintering efficiency.

• Journal of The Geomorphological Association of Korea
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.123-137
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• 2012

Reddish superficial materials in southern area of Korean Peninsula have been defined as lateritic red soil in Korea. In A-CN-K ternary plots, CaO and $Na_2O$ show similar linear distribution along a A-K line to kaolinite profile and laterite in southern Spain and Cameroon, respectively, and it means strong alteration. But $K_2O$ is weak alteration, plotting between muscovite and illite zone. Granitic reddish weathering mantles in study area show bulk distribution in center when plotted in A-CNK-Fm space, in contrast to laterite in Cameroon, plotting linearly in the middle along a A-FM line. Therefore, alteration of reddish saprolites in Southern Korea have not progressed as much as laterite. To define Reddish saprolite in southern Korean Peninsula as a lateritic red soil, more many studies are necessary.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.5-17
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• 2021

The Moon has been an attractive planet as an outpost for deep space exploration since He-3 and water ice which can be used as energy resources were discovered. In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) construction material fabrication method is required for sustainable space planet exploration. In this paper, the possibility of microwave sintering technology for construction material fabrication was evaluated using lunar regolith that can be easily collected from the Moon surface. Experimental assessment of the influence factors on microwave sintering was conducted using a hybrid sintering system for efficient processing. The heat distribution in the furnace was observed using thermal paper that is coated with a material formulated to change color when exposed to heat. Based on this result, sintered cylindrical KLS-1s with a diameter of 1 cm and a height of 2 cm were fabricated. Densities were measured for the sintered KLS-1s under rotating turntable conditions that have an effect of microwave dispersion. The more dielectrics were arranged, the more microwaves were dispersed reducing the heat concentration, and thus a uniformity of sintered KLS-1s was enhanced.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.35-46
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• 2022

The in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) for sustainable lunar surface and deep space explorations has recently gained attention. Also, research on the development of construction material preparation technology using lunar regolith is in progress. Microwave sintering technology for construction material preparation does not require a binder and is energy efficient. This study applies microwave sintering technology to KLS-1, a Korean lunar simulant. It is crucial to secure the homogeneity to produce a sintered specimen for construction material. Therefore, understanding the interactions between microwaves, cavities, and raw materials is required. Using a numerical model in terms of efficient assessment of several cases and establishment of equipment operating conditions is a very efficient approach. Therefore, this study also proposes and verifies a coupled electric-thermal numerical model through cross-validation and comparison with experimental results. The numerical model proposed in this study will be used to present an efficient method for producing construction material using microwave sintering technology.