Method for modular construction of Mars pyramid structure residential cabin
Through modular construction methods and Mars in situ resource utilization technology, combined with intelligent construction methods, the problems of complex material preparation, low construction efficiency and insufficient durability in Mars construction are solved, and efficient and reliable construction of Mars pyramid structure residential cabins are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510421019.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-04-07
AI Technical Summary
The existing Mars construction technology has problems such as complex material preparation, low construction efficiency and insufficient long-term durability, which is difficult to meet the needs of fully automated construction in extreme Mars environments.
The modular construction method is adopted, combined with Mars In-situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technology and intelligent construction methods, efficient and reliable modular construction is achieved by preparing Mars bricks and sulfur-based connectors. Specific steps include slotting, preparation of sulfur-based connectors, placement, bonding, assembly, modular construction and internal processing.
It significantly improves construction efficiency, reduces manual intervention, reduces task costs, improves the long-term durability and seismic resistance of the structure, and provides a sustainable solution for the construction of Mars bases.
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Figure CN119933271A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of building technology, and in particular to a method for modularly constructing a living cabin with a pyramid structure on Mars. Background Art
[0002] The atmospheric pressure on Mars is only 636Pa, and the temperature fluctuates from -114℃ to 20℃. This low-pressure and low-temperature environment makes it difficult to directly apply traditional building materials and construction methods. In addition, the average distance between Mars and Earth is about 225 million kilometers, and Earth-based supplies are not only expensive but also inefficient. Therefore, how to use Mars in-situ resources for autonomous construction has become a key issue that needs to be solved urgently.
[0003] In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is considered a core strategy to reduce the cost of space exploration and improve construction efficiency. The Martian regolith is rich in mineral components such as SiO2 and can be used as a potential source of building materials. However, traditional concrete requires liquid water for hydration reactions, and the presence of liquid water on Mars is extremely limited, which makes water-free binders such as sulfur concrete a more attractive option. Sulfur is abundant on Mars and can be combined with Martian soil after heating and melting to form a building material with high compressive strength. However, sulfur materials are easy to sublimate in low-pressure environments and exhibit significant thermal expansion and contraction characteristics at extreme temperatures, which may cause structural cracking and reduced durability. In addition, the brittleness of sulfur-based materials makes them more vulnerable to damage under dynamic loads or impact conditions, which poses a threat to long-term structural stability.
[0004] Some studies have proposed methods of building a Martian base using 3D printing technology or molten deposition method, such as the dome structure assembled from basalt thin plates proposed by Kading, and the pyrotechnic bonding technology using a saturated solution of magnesium chloride as an adhesive proposed by Cesaretti. Although these methods have demonstrated feasibility to a certain extent, they still face problems such as complex material molding processes and insufficient adaptability of construction equipment. At the same time, existing technologies often closely combine the manufacturing of structural elements with the construction process, which increases the difficulty of operation and maintenance, and it is difficult to meet the needs of fully automated construction in the Martian environment. Summary of the invention
[0005] The present invention aims to solve the problems of complex material preparation, low construction efficiency and insufficient long-term durability in existing Mars construction technologies, and proposes a modular construction method for a Mars pyramid structure living cabin. The method combines Mars in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technology with intelligent construction methods to achieve efficient and reliable modular construction in the extreme environment of Mars.
[0006] The present invention adopts the following scheme: A method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin comprises the following steps: S1. Grooving: Apply high pressure to the simulated Martian soil and water-ice mixture to melt the ice into liquid water to drive the hydration reaction, and form Martian bricks after static curing. Perform incision processing on the connection interface of the prepared Martian bricks, and the incision forms include straight incision or cross incision; S2. Preparation of sulfur-based connectors: mixing sulfur and Mars simulated soil in a set ratio, heating to a molten state, stirring evenly, pouring into a mold of a specific shape, and demolding after cooling and solidification to form a sulfur-based connector; S3. Placement: Place the Mars bricks layer by layer, and reserve gaps between adjacent Mars bricks for inserting sulfur-based connectors; S4, bonding: heat the sulfur-based connector until the surface is molten and insert it into the reserved gap to complete the bonding between the Mars bricks; S5. Assembling: stack the bonded Mars bricks in a pyramid shape to form a small-sized pyramid module; S6, Modular construction: Use automated machinery to assemble prefabricated small modules into a preset pyramid structure; S7. Internal treatment: Smooth the inner walls and install insulation and life support systems to build a living cabin.
[0007] Furthermore, in step S1, the compressive strength of the Mars brick is not less than 22 MPa and the density is 2.51 g / cm³.
[0008] Furthermore, the cut shape of the Mars brick is determined according to its position in the structure and the stress conditions, wherein a straight cut is set in a unidirectional stress environment and a cross cut is set in a multi-directional stress environment.
[0009] Further, in step S2, the mixing ratio of the Mars simulated soil and sulfur is 0:1~1:4.
[0010] Furthermore, the bonding strength of the sulfur-based connector is not less than 1.2 MPa, and its shape is designed according to the cutout form of the Mars brick to achieve a tight fit.
[0011] Further, in step S3, during the construction process, an ice body is placed inside the structure as a temporary support, and Martian bricks are laid around the ice body. After the structure is completed, the ice body is evaporated through controlled heating to form a living space.
[0012] Furthermore, in step S4, the sulfur-based connector is only partially exposed to the external environment during the masonry process, and the surface of the sulfur-based connector is locally melted to improve the bonding strength.
[0013] Furthermore, in step S5, a prefabricated beam is formed, and the prefabricated beam is suitable for splicing with the pyramid module.
[0014] Further, in step S7, the controlled heating method includes introducing a heat source or utilizing the natural temperature changes of Mars to ensure that the ice body evaporates slowly without causing damage to the structure by controlling the heating rate.
[0015] Furthermore, in step S7, the inner wall is smoothed by mechanical grinding, the finally installed thermal insulation layer is made of a high reflectivity material, and the life support system includes oxygen supply and temperature and humidity adjustment functional modules.
[0016] Beneficial effects: First, through the in-situ resource utilization technology on Mars, the need to transport construction materials from the Earth is greatly reduced, thereby reducing mission costs.
[0017] Second, modular construction methods combined with intelligent construction technology improve construction efficiency and reduce human intervention, providing a sustainable solution for the construction of a Mars base.
[0018] Third, the incision design and the sulfur-based composite material modification scheme work together to significantly improve the long-term durability and seismic resistance of the structure.
[0019] Fourth, finite element simulation verified the reliability of the pyramid structure in the extreme environment of Mars, providing solid technical support for future long-term residence on Mars. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a pyramid module structure of a method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 It is an internal perspective schematic diagram of a method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin in an embodiment of the present invention when pyramid modules are overlapped; Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of pyramid module assembly parts of a method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a Martian brick interface cut, a sulfur-based connector, and the connection between the two in a method for modularly constructing a Martian pyramid structure living cabin in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 It is a modular construction schematic diagram of a method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a finite element model of a method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7It is a schematic diagram of the principal tensile stress of a finite element model of a method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin in an embodiment of the present invention under two working conditions; Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the principal compressive stress of a finite element model of a method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin in an embodiment of the present invention under two working conditions; DETAILED DESCRIPTION Combination Figures 1 to 8 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for modularly constructing a Martian pyramid structure living cabin. The technical solution in this embodiment realizes the modular construction of a Martian pyramid structure living cabin through multiple steps, including key links such as Martian brick preparation, sulfur-based connector design, modular assembly and internal processing.
[0021] Combination Figures 1 to 5 As shown, Figure 2 The middle brick refers to the prepared Martian brick, and ice refers to the ice body. Figure 5 The small module in refers to the small-sized pyramid module. First of all, in the S1 slotting step, the preparation of Mars bricks is the basis of the entire process. Mars bricks can be made of Mars simulated soil or real Mars soil in the future and water ice. Specifically, the simulated Mars soil of the existing JSC Mars-1 is used to prepare Mars bricks under the conditions of 7 days of age, 40MPa molding pressure, 20℃ curing temperature, 200nm particle size SiO2, and 35% moisture content. Under this condition, the compressive strength of the prefabricated brick body can reach 22MPa and the density is about 2.51g / cm³. In actual operation, after the cured Mars bricks are taken out, it is selected whether to perform the incision treatment according to the specific working conditions. The incision forms of Mars bricks include straight incisions and cross incisions, or no incisions. Straight incisions are suitable for unidirectional stress environments, while cross incisions are suitable for multi-directional stress environments. The design of the incision not only enhances the mechanical interlocking performance between Mars bricks, but also reduces the area of sulfur-based connectors exposed to the external environment, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of sulfur sublimation. By adjusting the incision depth and width, ensure that the incision can effectively embed the sulfur-based connector and form a tight fit.
[0022] In the step of preparing sulfur-based connectors in S2, sulfur and Mars simulated soil are mixed in a set ratio and heated to a molten state, stirred evenly and poured into a mold of a specific shape. The mixing ratio of Mars simulated soil and sulfur is 0:1~1:4. The specific ratio is adjusted according to the test data to optimize the bonding performance and thermal stability, preferably 1:4. The shape of the mold is designed according to the cutout form of the Mars brick to ensure that the sulfur-based connector can be tightly fitted without additional adjustment after insertion. The sulfur-based connector formed by demolding after cooling and curing has a bonding strength of not less than 1.2MPa, which meets the comprehensive stress requirements in the Martian environment. The shape of the sulfur-based connector can be a long strip, columnar or other geometric body suitable for the cutout form.
[0023] Next, in the S3 placement step, the Martian bricks are placed layer by layer, and gaps are reserved between the Martian bricks for inserting sulfur-based connectors. During the construction process, ice bodies are placed inside the structure as temporary supports. Martian bricks are laid around the ice bodies, and after the structure is completed, the ice bodies are evaporated through controlled heating to form living space. This construction method avoids the need for additional transportation of traditional formwork support materials and simplifies the construction process. The size and position of the ice bodies are determined according to the design parameters of the pyramid structure to ensure that they can provide sufficient support during construction.
[0024] In the S4 bonding step, the sulfur-based connector is heated to a molten state on the surface and then inserted into the reserved gap to complete the bonding between the Mars bricks. The sulfur-based connector is only partially exposed to the external environment during the masonry process, thereby effectively inhibiting the sublimation of sulfur. By locally melting the surface of the connector, not only the bonding strength is improved, but also the material loss is reduced. In actual operation, existing automated equipment can be used to control the heating temperature and time to ensure that the sulfur-based connector achieves the best bonding effect when inserted.
[0025] In the S5 assembly step, the bonded Martian bricks are stacked in a pyramid shape to form a small-sized pyramid module. In addition to prefabricating small pyramid modules, other structural components such as beams can also be prefabricated. These components can be spliced with the small pyramid modules, further improving the flexibility and expansion capabilities of the overall structure. The fixed base is used to enhance the overall stability of the module to prevent displacement during Martian seismic activities.
[0026] In the S6 modular construction step, automated machinery is used to transport prefabricated small modules to the designated location and assemble them to form a larger pyramid structure. Existing automated machinery can accurately locate and efficiently complete the module splicing task. The modular construction method separates the manufacturing and construction processes, and the automated machinery is combined to achieve efficient assembly, which significantly improves construction efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.
[0027] Finally, in the S7 internal processing step, a controlled heating method is used to evaporate the ice inside the structure, while the inner wall is smoothed and an insulation layer and a life support system are installed. Controlled heating methods include introducing a heat source or utilizing the natural temperature changes on Mars. By precisely controlling the heating rate, it is ensured that the ice evaporates slowly without damaging the structure. In addition, the inner wall is smoothed by mechanical polishing, and finally an insulation layer and a life support system are installed to meet long-term residence requirements. The insulation layer is made of high-reflectivity material, which can effectively reduce heat loss; the life support system includes existing functional modules such as oxygen supply, temperature and humidity regulation, to ensure that the environment in the living cabin is suitable for human survival.
[0028] Combination Figures 6 to 8As shown, this embodiment, based on the structural design scheme, constructs a refined finite element model to simulate the behavior of the Martian pyramid-shaped habitat under the unique conditions of Mars. The model specifically studies the effects of Martian gravity (approximately 3.71m / s²) and the combined stress generated by negative pressure and gravity on structural performance. The density of the Martian bricks used in the model was determined by hydrostatic weighing, and the average of the measurements of five samples was taken, with an average density of 2.51g / cm³. The main goal of the model is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the construction and operation phases, aiming to develop habitats that are not only resilient but also sustainable in the Martian environment.
[0029] The finite element model was designed to accurately predict the load capacity of a pyramid structure using Martian bricks, taking into account various stress-strain relationships and interfacial bonding strength. Martian bricks are produced at a molding pressure of 40 MPa and have a compressive strength of approximately 22 MPa. Based on the bond test, a minimum bond strength of 1.2 MPa was chosen to represent the fracture strength of the sulfur-based mortar. 65 solid elements containing specific stress-strain curves were used to simulate the compression behavior of Martian bricks. It is expected that interfacial cracking will occur when the principal tensile stress reaches the bond strength of 1.2 MPa.
[0030] Based on geometric and material symmetry, the pyramid structure has been half-molded. Figure 6 (a) shows the geometry of the first four layers of the pyramid, where each brick has a width b and length l of 1 meter, each layer is 3 meters high, and the top layer is 0.3 meters thick. During on-site construction, small masonry units can be assembled into standard units of 1 cubic meter using a sulfur bonding process. Figure 6 As shown in (b), the implementation of symmetric boundary conditions and the fixed base are crucial to ensure the accuracy of the model. In the construction phase analysis, a nonlinear solution was applied to accommodate the gravity environment on Mars. In addition, during the operation phase, this gravity was combined with a negative pressure of 101.3 kPa, as shown in Figure 6 (c) as shown.
[0031] like Figure 7-8 As shown in the figure, the stress cloud diagram reveals the stress distribution characteristics of the structure in two stages. Specifically, during the construction stage, the maximum principal tensile stress is about 0.04MPa, while the maximum principal compressive stress reaches about 0.13MPa. During the operation stage, these values gradually increase to a maximum principal tensile stress of 1.15MPa and a maximum principal compressive stress of 0.59MPa. It is worth noting that the maximum principal tensile stress of 1.15MPa is concentrated at the corner of the second floor, and the 1.2MPa interface strength provided by sulfur bonding can completely cover the stress peak, proving that the structure has the feasibility of resisting the gravity and internal negative pressure of Mars.
[0032] The simulation results show that the proposed bricks and adhesives have high application potential in building an interior space of 4×4 meters. The internal net height of 3 meters can meet the standard living space requirements on Earth. In addition, the pyramid modules can be modularly expanded to create larger structures, thus demonstrating the feasibility and good prospects of this construction technology for future Mars applications.
[0033] In this embodiment, when building a pyramid-shaped structure on Mars, a stable and geologically reasonable location is selected, and then the simulated Martian soil is leveled and compacted using automatic equipment to create a solid and reliable foundation. In terms of material innovation, the simulated Martian soil cleverly uses molten sulfur as a binder. This process overcomes the problem of water shortage and ensures durability under the harsh conditions of Mars. Next is the construction of the pyramid base, where bricks are laid to form a wide, stable foundation that can evenly distribute the load. Sulfur-based connectors, whether pure sulfur-based connectors or sulfur-based connectors mixed with simulated Martian soil or its components, can replace traditional cement, which is an efficient binder. On this basis, the structure is gradually assembled into a single-layer pyramid module with inclined sides and a wide base, using ice bodies cut into set shapes in Mars as temporary supports to enhance stability during bricklaying. Larger structural elements, such as beams, can be prefabricated using larger molds, or multiple smaller bricks can be bonded together to form the necessary structural components. This modular construction method is then applied repeatedly to build larger pyramid-shaped buildings. Ultimately, a habitable and structurally sound Martian masonry structure would be completed by systematically evaporating the interior ice through controlled heating, revealing the interior space, which would then be inspected and improved through the installation of insulation and life support systems.
[0034] The technical solution of the present invention provides a feasible method for building a living cabin on Mars pyramid structure by describing in detail the preparation of Mars bricks, the design of sulfur-based connectors, the modular construction process and finite element simulation verification. The schematic diagram of the internal processing and life support system installation after the completion of the pyramid structure shows the final results. The method not only solves the key problems in Mars construction, but also lays an important foundation for deep space exploration and extraterrestrial immigration. The in-situ resource utilization technology on Mars greatly reduces the need to transport building materials from the earth and reduces mission costs. The modular construction method combined with intelligent construction technology improves construction efficiency and reduces human intervention, providing a sustainable solution for the construction of Mars bases. The incision design and the sulfur-based composite material modification scheme work together to significantly improve the long-term durability and seismic resistance of the structure. Finite element simulation verifies the reliability of the pyramid structure in the extreme environment of Mars, providing a solid technical guarantee for long-term residence on Mars in the future.
[0035] It should be understood that the above are only preferred implementations of the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions under the concept of the present invention belong to the protection scope of the present invention.
[0036] The above description of the drawings used in the implementation manner only illustrates certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.
Claims
1. A method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Grooving: Apply high pressure to the simulated Martian soil and water-ice mixture to melt the ice into liquid water to drive the hydration reaction, and form Martian bricks after static curing. Perform incision processing on the connection interface of the prepared Martian bricks, and the incision forms include straight incision or cross incision; S2. Preparation of sulfur-based connectors: mixing sulfur and Mars simulated soil in a set ratio, heating to a molten state, stirring evenly, pouring into a mold of a specific shape, and demolding after cooling and solidification to form a sulfur-based connector; S3. Placement: Place the Mars bricks layer by layer, and reserve gaps between adjacent Mars bricks for inserting sulfur-based connectors; S4, bonding: heat the sulfur-based connector until the surface is molten and insert it into the reserved gap to complete the bonding between the Mars bricks; S5. Assembling: stack the bonded Mars bricks in a pyramid shape to form a small-sized pyramid module; S6, Modular construction: Use automated machinery to assemble prefabricated small modules into a preset pyramid structure; S7. Internal treatment: Smooth the inner walls and install insulation and life support systems to build a living cabin.
2. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the compressive strength of the Mars brick is not less than 22MPa and the density is 2.51g / cm³.
3. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The cut shape of the Mars brick is determined according to its position in the structure and the stress conditions. A straight cut is set in a unidirectional stress environment, and a cross cut is set in a multi-directional stress environment.
4. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the mixing ratio of the Mars simulated soil and sulfur is 0:1~1:
4.
5. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that The bonding strength of the sulfur-based connector is not less than 1.2MPa, and its shape is designed according to the cutout form of the Mars brick to achieve a tight fit.
6. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S3, an ice body is placed inside the structure as a temporary support during the construction process, and Martian bricks are laid around the ice body. After the structure is completed, the ice body is evaporated through controlled heating to form a living space.
7. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, the sulfur-based connector is only partially exposed to the external environment during the masonry process, and the surface of the sulfur-based connector is locally melted to improve the bonding strength.
8. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S5, a prefabricated beam is also formed, and the prefabricated beam is suitable for splicing with the pyramid module.
9. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: In step S7, the controlled heating method includes introducing a heat source or utilizing the natural temperature changes of Mars to ensure that the ice body evaporates slowly without causing damage to the structure by controlling the heating rate.
10. The method for modularly constructing a Mars pyramid structure living cabin as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: In step S7, the inner wall is smoothed by mechanical grinding, and the finally installed thermal insulation layer is made of a high reflectivity material. The life support system includes oxygen supply and temperature and humidity regulation functional modules.
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