Feasibility study and prospects analysis of lunar regolith forming based on concentrated solar energy

Abstract

The solidification and molding of lunar regolith are essential for constructing lunar habitats. This study introduces an innovative lunar regolith molding technique that synergistically combines solar concentration, flexible optical fiber bundle energy transfer, and powder bed fusion. A functional prototype is developed to validate the proposed scheme. Systematic experiments including fixed beam spot melting, line melting, surface melting, and body melting are conducted using simulated basalt lunar regolith. Through in-situ observation of the melt pool's formation, evolution, and expansion dynamics, we identify a sequential transformation mechanism on the powder bed's surface: initial curling evolves into detachment from the bed, subsequent incorporation into a molten droplet, and ultimate solidification. A comprehensive evaluation of density and mechanical properties across multiple parameter combinations reveals that energy flux density of 3.33 MW/m² with a scan speed of 30 mm/min, inter-track spacing of 3 mm, and layer thickness of 2 mm enables the production of structurally integral samples with continuous morphology. The resulting specimens demonstrate a maximum compressive strength of 4.25 MPa and a density of 2.31 g/cm³. This solar-powered additive manufacturing approach establishes a viable reference framework for large-scale on-site construction of lunar research stations.