Numerical simulation revealing the impact of drilling-based mining equipment structure on water ice extraction from lunar soil

In the context of space exploration, the in-situ utilization of lunar water ice holds principal significance. A variety of techniques have been suggested for water ice mining. However, the impact of mining equipment structure on water ice extraction has been rarely reported. Here, we used numerical simulations to study the impact of drilling-based mining equipment structure on water extraction from icy soil, by comparing two designs: Corer and Auger. The impact of water ice on deep lunar drilling missions was explored. The results showed that the mining equipment structure significantly affects vapor flow, phase transitions, and water ice extraction efficiency. The Auger's design allows for higher water vapor content and enhanced heat transfer within the icy soil, while the Corer's design reduces vapor flow and performs better during the initial mining stage. It is believed that this work will provide theoretical guidance for designing high-performance mining equipment in further lunar water ice utilization. We also highlighted the potential role of water ice in lunar soil for enhancing heat dissipation in deep drilling missions, protecting the drill bit from potential damage due to elevated temperatures. The insights gained from this study offer valuable contributions to the design of drilling tools for future lunar missions and the exploration of other icy celestial bodies.