A novel approach to the analytical modelling of an auger conveyor system for lunar regolith transportation

Abstract

Auger-based transportation systems are a promising method to transport lunar regolith for in situ resource utilisation. An analytical model based on terrestrial auger conveyor industry guidelines is used to predict the behaviour and performance parameters of an auger conveyor system under a range of initial conditions. Key aspects of the model have been validated with published experimental data. The proposed model produces more accurate predictions than previous methods and calculates the inclination angle with the best conveying efficiency. The proposed model output flow predictions have on average $47\%$ less deviation from the experimental data mean than previous model predictions, while the predictions for power requirements without considering energy losses present 42.9% and $59.2\%$ less deviation than previous predictions. When the losses are considered, the proposed model predictions are 70% and $86.4\%$ more accurate than the previous models, which have been found to underestimate the power requirements of this type of conveyors.