Evaluation and Comparison of Sand Mechanics in Tottori Sand Dunes and Moon

Abstract

In recent years, numerous countries have been actively exploring the Moon by conducting experiments using sand-covered facilities. The Tottori Sand Dunes in Japan, with their undulating topography and vast area where a long straight course can be taken, are anticipated to serve as a base for lunar surface development, especially for rovers, owing to their advantages for tire development. A demonstration field simulating the lunar surface is planned near the Tottori Sand Dunes. To quantitatively determine whether the Tottori Dunes are suitable for a lunar exploration test field, this study evaluated some mechanical properties of the sand and compared them to those of the Moon. This comparison verified the validity of developing a lunar surface simulation field at the dunes. The results indicate that owing to its natural and unrefined state, the mechanical properties of the sand in the Tottori Dunes are closer to those of the lunar surface than those of the sand currently employed in experimental facilities.