Speaker
Description
The development of sustainable lunar infrastructure requires construction materials that can withstand extreme temperature variations and persistent radiation exposure while reducing dependence on Earth-supplied resources. Materials intended for in situ resource utilisation (ISRU), including polymers, metallic composites, aerogels and lunar regolith analogues, must be evaluated under relevant environmental conditions to determine their suitability for long-term lunar operations. However, systematic assessment requires a reproducible methodology that integrates environmental simulation, material characterisation and predictive modelling.
This research aims to develop a protocol for evaluating the response and durability of candidate lunar construction materials under simulated lunar environmental conditions. The proposed methodology combines ion irradiation experiments, thermal cycling, and post-exposure characterisation to investigate radiation-induced damage and thermally driven structural changes. Spectroscopic and microscopic techniques are used to assess chemical and morphological changes, while complementary modelling approaches provide insight into the underlying atomistic mechanisms.
A key objective is to establish a systematic framework for selecting relevant exposure conditions, defining experimental parameters, characterising material changes and comparing the responses of different material classes. Particular attention is given to the effects of radiation and thermal cycling, both individually and in combination, to identify potential degradation mechanisms and evaluate their implications for material performance.
Building on previous atomistic simulations of space materials under lunar-like thermal conditions, this work seeks to integrate experimental observations and computational modelling into a consistent assessment methodology. The resulting protocol is intended to support the comparative evaluation of ISRU-relevant materials and inform material selection and radiation-mitigation strategies for future lunar habitats.