Lithography-based Metal Manufacturing for a Sustainable Moon Base
2022 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
One of the major challenges in implementing and maintaining a permanent Moon base is the need for a constant input of consumables, which not only includes food, water and oxygen for the crew but also a provision of module elements, power generation, module interior fittings, laboratory resources, medical facilities and more. All these needs require a major logistics implementation when they have to be transported from Earth. The possibility of reducing this Earth dependency by making maximum use of both exist- ing lunar surface materials and recycling of lunar base materials will represent the only programmatic solution to assure a sustainable settlement.
In this framework, the Additive Manufacturing (AM) method Lithography-Based Metal Manufacturing (LMM) will be a great asset to pave the way in this direction. LMM allows the manufacturing of high-quality parts in a wide range of materials with varying powder quality and purity. These properties make LMM a great method in combination with recycling on the Moon.
An investigation of the lunar environment and the effects on the design of a commercial printer was performed and translated into top-level requirements. Subsequently, selected components were analysed and improved with the help of Generative Design. The new designs allow for a significant mass saving of around two thirds compared to the original weight without any limitations of functionality. Additional design suggestions are presented along with future challenges for a sustainable Moon base.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2022.
Keywords [en]
Moon base, lunar exploration, additive manufacturing, 3D-printing, generative design, lithography-based metal manufacturing
National Category
Aerospace Engineering Other Mechanical Engineering
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-90148OAI: oai:DiVA.org:ltu-90148DiVA, id: diva2:1651211
External cooperation
OHB Systems AG
Subject / course
Student thesis, at least 30 credits
Educational program
Space Engineering, master's level (120 credits)
Presentation
2022-02-23, 17:00 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
2022-04-192022-04-112025-04-11Bibliographically approved