Date of Award
1-1-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. in Engineering Science
First Advisor
Hunain Alkhateb
Second Advisor
Sasan Nouranian
Third Advisor
Ahmad Al-Ostaz
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Developing sustainable construction materials for lunar habitats is critical for advancing extraterrestrial exploration, supporting a long-term human presence on the Moon, and advancing earth-based, resilient, locally available resources. Our primary goal is to utilize indigenous resource-based construction materials and 3D printing technology to reduce payloads and streamline the materials processing procedures. Additionally, enhancing the performance of native binding materials, such as those formed from local rocks and sand, may require the integration of low-cost nano-additives. These nano-additives can significantly improve the fresh and hardened properties of 3D-printed construction materials. This research focused on optimizing the mechanical performance of a clay composite enhanced with synthetic lunar regolith and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The synthetic lunar regolith acts as a filler to the binder, increasing the volume stability, strength, and toughness of 3DP structural elements while enhancing the environmental resilience of the lunar pads. Meanwhile, the presence of graphene nanoplatelets reduces the thermal expansion of clay mixes, making them more resistant to extreme temperature changes in the lunar environment.
In addition to these benefits, this study explored the role of graphene nanoplatelets in optimizing material usage within 3D-printed geometries. Preliminary findings suggest that GNPs can enhance the structural efficiency of 3D-printed patterns by enabling a reduction in material consumption without compromising the mechanical integrity of the printed components.
Specifically, the inclusion of graphene in the clay-regolith composite resulted in improved load distribution and energy absorption capabilities, particularly in geometries like honeycomb patterns. This highlights the potential of graphene to contribute to resource-efficient designs, a critical aspect of in-situ lunar construction where minimizing material payload is paramount.
This thesis examined the effects of different 3D printing pattern geometries and infill structures on these enhanced clay composites. The hardened properties assessed through compressive strength and low-velocity impact tests. The successfully engineered bricks will be tested for hypervelocity impact and thermal properties at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Among the findings, honeycomb patterns demonstrated the highest energy absorption and load distribution characteristics compared to other 3D printing patterns.
The main findings of this research offer valuable insights into using Indigenous resources and 3D printing technologies to achieve sustainable and versatile material compositions for in-situ lunar infrastructure construction with minimal material processing. While nano-additives play a significant role in enhancing indigenous material performance and reducing material usage, future work will explore the combined effects of graphene with lunar regolith to further improve the composite properties' toughness and reduce overall material consumption in structural geometries.
Additionally, we investigated using fiberglass-based fibers; however, the fibers were completely combusted due to firing the bricks. In the future we could use different binders to incorporate the short fibers and rubber particles to enhance lunar-concrete composites, focusing on their geometric properties. Numerical simulations will also optimize 3D printing geometry, reduce material waste, and predict failure mechanisms.
Recommended Citation
Algharibeh, Omar, "3D-Printed Clay Composites for Lunar Habitats: Graphene and Simulant Integration" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 2998.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/2998
