NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Scaled Lunar Module Jet Erosion ExperimentsAn experimental research program was conducted on the erosion of particulate surfaces by a jet exhaust. These experiments were scaled to represent the lunar module (LM) during landing. A conical cold-gas nozzle simulating the lunar module nozzle was utilized. The investigation was conducted within a large vacuum chamber by using gravel or glass beads as a simulated soil. The effects of thrust, descent speed, nozzle terminal height, particle size on crater size, and visibility during jet erosion were determined. Results indicate that, from an erosion and visibility standpoint, the best landing mode for a lunar module type of vehicle would involve: site inspection and selection above the incipient erosion height, and a fast descent to the highest drop-in altitude that the vehicle structure could withstand. A slow and cautious descent with hovering just above the lunar surface would greatly increase crater size and impair visibility.
Document ID
20070031010
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Video
External Source(s)
Authors
Norman S Land
(Langley Research Center Hampton, Virginia, United States)
Harland F Scholl
(Langley Research Center Hampton, Virginia, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1969
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
L-1043
NASA-TN-D-5051
Report Number: L-1043
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Experiments
Tests

Available Downloads

NameType VTS_01_1.VOB STI
No Preview Available