Summary

This paper investigates the micromechanical behavior of DNA 1A lunar regolith simulant compared to Ottawa sand. It reports on hardness, surface roughness, normal contact stiffness, interparticle friction angles, and fits theoretical models to experimental data. The study aims to understand the mechanical response of the simulant for lunar settlement applications. The study investigates the interparticle contact behavior of DNA 1A lunar regolith simulant using a custom-built micromechanical loading apparatus, comparing results with Ottawa sand (OS) and theoretical models. DNA 1A, derived from ash, has a specific gravity of 2.70 and particle sizes between 1.00-1.80 mm. Chemical analysis via EDS shows DNA 1A is rich in SiO2 (51.87%) and has low Fe2O3 (8.30%), contrasting with Ottawa sand (98.12% SiO2, 0.23% Fe2O3). SEM images reveal DNA 1A grains are subprismoidal with sharp corners, while Ottawa sand grains are more rounded. The study highlights the importance of particle morphology and composition in understanding regolith behavior. This paper compares the micromechanical behavior of DNA 1A lunar regolith simulant with Ottawa sand, focusing on surface roughness and microhardness. Su

Methods and applications