| Abstract Scope |
The utilization of extraterrestrial regolith as a structural material requires a fundamental understanding of its mechanical response under compaction. In this study, cylindrical pellets were fabricated from Martian and Lunar regolith simulants using a uniaxial compression process at varying pressure levels. Mechanical properties including compressive strength, compressive modulus, and failure strain were quantified, while digital image correlation (DIC) was employed to capture full-field strain evolution during loading. Optical microscopy was used to examine grain packing, pore closure, and bonding characteristics as a function of compaction pressure. Results show that increasing compaction pressure enhances pellet density, reduces intergranular voids, and improves mechanical performance, though failure modes remained brittle across all conditions. Comparative analysis between Martian and Lunar simulants revealed distinct microstructural features that influenced load-bearing capacity. These findings establish quantitative correlations between processing pressure, microstructure, and resulting mechanical performance, providing critical data to guide the development of regolith-based construction strategies in extraterrestrial environments. |