Main Problems Using DEM Modeling to Evaluate the Loose Soil Collection by Conceptual Machine as a Background for Future Extraterrestrial Regolith Harvesting DEM Models

Abstract

Nowadays, rapid product development is a key factor influencing a company’s success. In the Space 4.0. era, an integrated approach with the use of 3D printing and DEM modeling can be particularly effective in the development of technologies related to space mining. Unfortunately, both 3D printing and DEM modeling are not without flaws. This article shows the possibilities and problems resulting from the use of DEM simulation and 3D printing simultaneously in the rapid development of a hypothetical mining machine. For the subsequent development of the regolith harvesting model, loose soil harvesting simulations were performed and the underlying problems were defined and discussed. The results show that it is possible to use both technologies simultaneously to be able to effectively and accurately model the behavior of this type of machine in various gravitational conditions in the future.