NASA Regolith Drum

grabcad

The design is centered on constructing a model from carbon sheets using an existing template and thermally treating it. A cutting blade crafted from high-carbon steel is embedded within the carbon framework. The overall body thickness is 1 millimeter. At any given time, a maximum of 88 millimeters in width can be accommodated by scoops attached to the drum. The maximum weight for each bucket drum is 4.52 kilograms, with a diameter of up to 450 millimeters and a length of up to 360 millimeters. On average, the volume of regolith captured per section is approximately 70%, which translates to about 8 liters or 32 liters per entire drum. The drum material consists of carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy in a unidirectional pattern. The mechanical properties of this design include a standard modulus grade and type, with a longitudinal tensile strength of up to 300 kilopounds per square inch (ksi) and a longitudinal tensile modulus of approximately 15 million pounds per square inch (Msi). In addition, the shear modulus is around 0.6 Msi, while the density measures about 1.55 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm^3). The cutting blade itself is made from high-carbon stainless steel type SS10 carbide. The fastening and bonding mechanisms ensure a secure attachment of all components within the design framework.