Physics-Based Continuum Numerical Framework for Large-Scale Lunar Terramechanics Applications

Outward Technologies, in collaboration with Aperi CMC, proposes a multi-scale modeling framework to accurately simulate the complex interactions between lunar mobility systems and regolith. This innovative framework combines the high-fidelity Discrete Element Method (DEM), capturing the complex micro-mechanics of granular materials, with the computationally efficient Reproducing Kernel Particle Method (RKPM), ideal for large-scale soil deformation and vehicle dynamics simulations. Leveraging existing, validated DEM data from high-fidelity lunar regolith simulations, the framework significantly enhances RKPM accuracy while substantially reducing the prohibitive computational costs associated with traditional DEM analyses. This addresses the challenge of large-scale lunar terramechanics modeling within reasonable computational limits. Support for this project sought through NASA's SBIR program will enable the development of a robust DEM-RKPM interface, the careful selection and detailed refinement of a highly responsive material constitutive model to accurately capture lunar regolith behavior, the execution of carefully planned preliminary simulations designed to validate the core framework capabilities, and a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of its computational efficiency with a focus on optimization for Phase II. Through continued development, this methodology will NASA to optimize vehicle performance, accurately predict regolith behavior in diverse and challenging terrains, and ensure safer lunar operations. Target markets include NASA, seeking enhanced lunar exploration and mission safety, as well as the commercial sector for terrestrial terramechanics, robotics, and off-road vehicle design. Key innovation lies in the fusion of DEM and RKPM for true multi-scale simulation, with these development efforts ultimately being released as free and open-source software to foster widespread adoption.

This multi-scale modeling framework offers significant potential to revolutionize NASA’s lunar exploration efforts and greatly enhance mission planning. Firstly, it enables the design of highly optimized lunar vehicles by accurately simulating complex vehicle-regolith interactions. Engineers can predict vehicle performance in diverse terrains with great precision, optimize wheel designs to minimize slip and sinkage, enhance overall mobility, and identify potential hazards, leading to safer and more reliable lunar missions in uncharted territories and challenging environments. This technology is instrumental in developing and validating autonomous robotic systems for exploration, lunar infrastructure development, and resource utilization. By accurately simulating terrain interactions, vehicles can be designed with improved navigation, manipulation, and excavation capabilities, enabling more efficient robotic and manned lunar missions. The framework supports mission planning and risk assessment by providing detailed predictions of vehicle and equipment performance under various lunar conditions, identifying potential hazards and mitigating risks proactively. Additional applications include planning and executing lunar infrastructure development informed by this framework to simulate soil mechanics under the weight of habitats, landing pads, and resource extraction equipment. The free and open-source nature of these proposed software development efforts fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing within NASA and the broader scientific community, accelerating innovation and reducing development and testing costs. By providing a robust, versatile, and accessible simulation tool, Outward Technologies aims to significantly enhance NASA’s lunar exploration efforts, contributing to safer, more efficient, and ambitious missions by providing robust and versatile simulation capabilities encapsulating physics-based microscale behaviors with high-speed macroscale models. This technology, a multi-scale modeling framework for simulating complex interactions between lunar mobility systems and regolith, holds significant commercialization potential beyond NASA applications. The core innovation of combining high-fidelity Discrete Element Method (DEM) with the efficient Reproducing Kernel Particle Method (RKPM) to provide accurate and efficient simulations which can be adapted for terrestrial applications in various industries. Firstly, the framework can be utilized in the automotive industry for designing and testing off-road vehicles, improving their performance and durability in challenging terrains. By simulating vehicle-terrain interactions, manufacturers can optimize vehicle design, reduce prototyping costs, and enhance safety. Secondly, the robotics sector can leverage this technology to develop robots capable of navigating rough or complex environments more effectively. The detailed simulations can aid in creating robots with improved locomotion, stability, and adaptability to different terrains, benefiting industries such as logistics, agriculture, and search and rescue operations. Thirdly, the construction industry can use the framework for geotechnical analysis and foundation design by simulating soil-structure interactions to help engineers predict the stability of structures on various soil types, reducing the risk of failures and optimizing construction plans. Lastly, the mining and resource extraction industries can benefit from this technology by simulating the movement of materials, optimizing excavation processes, and improving the efficiency of heavy machinery operations. This free and open-source software can foster further innovation and collaboration within these industries. By providing a robust, versatile, and accessible simulation tool, Outward Technologies aims to catalyze advancements across multiple sectors, driving economic growth and technological progress.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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