A theoretical model for lunar surface material thermal conductivity.This paper presents a theoretical thermal conductivity model for the uppermost layer of lunar surface material under the lunar vacuum environment. The model assumes that the lunar soil can be simulated by spherical particles in contact with each other and that the effective thermal conductivity is a function of depth, temperature, porosity, particle dimension, and mechanical-thermal properties of the solid particles. Two modes of heat transport are considered, conduction and radiation - with emphasis on the contact resistance between particles. The model gives effective conductivity values that compare favorably with the experimental data from lunar surface samples obtained on Apollo 11 and 12 missions.
Document ID
19730053769
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Khader, M. S.
Vachon, R. I. (Auburn University Auburn, Ala., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1973
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Report/Patent Number
ASME PAPER 73-HT-35
Meeting Information
Meeting: Heat Transfer Conference
Location: Atlanta, GA
Country: US
Start Date: August 5, 1973
End Date: August 8, 1973
Sponsors: American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers