Research on the shape model of particles in lunar regolith fluid based on the fractal theory

Lunar dust is the most important problem need to be solved in the process of returning to the moon. The extremely complex irregular form is the most prominent feature of lunar dust. From a mechanical viewpoint, the overall mechanical behavior of granular materials is strongly affected by grain properties such as size, shape and crushability. Among these properties, grain shape has a considerable influence on the bulk mechanical properties. Therefore, the research on the microstructure characteristics of lunar dust is imperative. Fractal geometry is a powerful theoretical tool for dealing with irregular shapes in nature and engineering. In fractal theory, people usually use the fractal dimension to represent self-similar geometric shapes. In terms of micro particle shape analysis, fractal geometry is proved to be a practical and feasible measure to irregular particle shape. Therefore, a research of the shape of lunar dust based on the fractal theory is presented in this paper to give a quantitative description of irregular shape. It provides an important reference for the further understanding of the mechanical properties of lunar dust.