journal article·2025-07-05Open access

Research on the Compactness of Lunar Soil Simulant Based on Static Cone Penetration Test

Yuxin Zhang, Hui Gao, Xiaohong Fang, Shuting Xing, Long Xiao, Longchen Duan

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 13

Abstract

The shear strength and bearing characteristics of lunar soil have a strong connection with its compactness. The compactness varies significantly with depth and has an important effect on engineering activities on the lunar surface. In this study, lunar soil simulant samples of four compactness levels were prepared to explore the relationship between compactness and cone tip resistance in static cone penetration tests (CPTs). The compactness values at different depths were measured layer by layer, and CPTs were carried out. The results indicate that the cone tip resistance continuously increases with the increase in the penetration depth until it reaches a peak, and then remains constant for a certain depth. The cone tip resistance after the normalization of the overburden stress gradually increases and then decreases after reaching the peak. Models of the relationship between cone tip resistance before and after normalization and compactness were constructed using a regression algorithm. The variation in lunar soil compactness with depth can be determined by measuring cone tip resistance with this model. The research findings can provide a theoretical basis for in situ testing, site selection for lunar bases, and other related aspects on the lunar surface.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Soil Mechanics and Vehicle Dynamics · Planetary Science and Exploration · Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China

State Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, Planetary Science Institute, School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China

Funding

Nation Key R & D Program of China

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