Near-field plume-surface interaction and regolith erosion and dispersal during the lunar landing

• Published in: Acta astronautica Vol. 175; pp. 308 - 326
• Main Authors: Rahimi, A., Ejtehadi, O., Lee, K.H., Myong, R.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elmsford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Design engineering; Discrete phase model; Dispersal; Dust; Dust particles; Erosion models; Erosion rates; Exhaust gases; Finite volume method; Flow characteristics; Flow rates; Gas expansion; Heat flux; Lunar dust; Lunar landing; Lunar Module; Lunar surface; Lunar surface vehicles; Mach number; Mass flow rate; Microgravity; Near fields; Particle density (concentration); Particle size; Physics; Plume-surface interaction; Regolith; Rocket nozzles; Shear stress; Spacecraft components; Stress concentration; Surface erosion; Surface erosion; Plume-surface interaction; Discrete phase model; Lunar landing

A rocket plume impinging on the lunar surface when a lunar lander approaches a landing site can cause significant dust dispersal. This study investigated the near-field rocket plume-lunar surface interaction and subsequent regolith erosion and particle dispersal. These subjects are challenging becau...