Penetration and resistance characteristics of lunar regolith simulant drilling using a coupled MPM–CDEM approach

Ground anchor drilling is a promising technology for investigating the mechanical properties and environmental variability of lunar regolith in low-gravity environments, with minimal demands for reactive cutting. This study explores the interaction behavior during ground anchor drilling of lunar regolith by employing a coupled approach that integrates the Material Point Method (MPM) and the Continuous–Discontinuous Element Method (CDEM), considering the interactions among numerous particles and blocks. The numerical parameters are calibrated based on experimental penetration resistance data of lunar regolith simulant. The numerical approach effectively captures key mechanical properties of the simulant, such as particle flow and scattering patterns, anchor penetration effects, and disturbance-related ultimate bearing characteristics. Additionally, this study examines the influence of inter-particle friction and compactness on penetration resistance. By combining the Golden Section Search Method (GSSM) with ground anchor drilling simulations, an inverse analysis model for penetration resistance is developed, allowing for the determination of mechanical parameters of the lunar regolith simulant. The feasibility of this parameter inversion method is verified, providing valuable insights for engineering applications in lunar exploration and construction.