Abstract
By selecting metal powders with comparable particle size class, similar shape and material and almost the same void ratio but different particle densities, the influence of different gravity on the trafficability of soil under different states of gravitational fields is found to be equivalent to the change in particle density. This method is named particle density substitution. The shearing and bearing characteristics of simulated soil were studied. An influence of different factors on the experimental results was achieved, and a minimal influence of factors other than particle density on experimental results was obtained. Regression of shearing and bearing characteristics of the simulated soil was designed. The relationship between particle density and mechanical parameters of soil was fitted with curves. The formulation between particle density and maximal static thrust was established. By analyzing these data, the maximal static thrust slowly decreased with increasing particle density, reached the minimum when particle density was 3 g/cm3, and then sharply increased. This trend is consistent with the theoretical result. It can also certify that the particle density substitution method established here is reasonable.
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This research is funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51275019).
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Huang, C., Gao, F., Xie, X. et al. Particle Density Substitution Method for Trafficability of Soil in Different Gravity Environments. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 29, 445–458 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-017-9563-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-017-9563-8