Research on DEM Simulation of Lunar Soil Dig Process by Straight Shovel Collector

The dynamic model of lunar soil was established by discrete element method and the 0-50cm depth lunar soil dug by straight shovel collector was simulated. According to the simulating result, the collectors variation in load under the condition of variable density of lunar soil is analyzed. Meanwhile, with the simplification of particle diameter and particle shape in discrete element model it shows how the simplified model influences the result, which proves that the acting force to collector increases with the increasing of the collectors depth, and it is directly proportional to depth. Meanwhile, it is unnecessary to consider the change of particle shape if the depth is within 10cm, while it is necessary for the deep dig process.