关键词: 模拟月壤, 荷电特性, 静电分选, 粒径筛分, 行波静电场, 原位资源利用

Abstract: Lunar regolith is a key resource for in-situ utilization on the Moon, and its beneficiation and particle size optimization are essential for the effective resource utilization. Given the difficulty of applying conventional beneficiation techniques in the extreme lunar environment, this study systematically investigates the electrostatic charging behavior of lunar regolith simulant and its electrostatic separation performance. The charging characteristics of CUG-1A lunar regolith simulant were evaluated under both atmospheric and high-vacuum conditions in an external applied electrostatic field. Experimental results show that the charging mechanism differs between atmosphere and vacuum. Under both conditions, the particle charge increases with particle size, whereas the charge-to-mass ratio decreases. Electric field strength has no notable effect on the net charge of levitated particles. The charging characteristics and dynamic parameters of the CUG-1A simulant closely match those of the Chang'E-5 lunar regolith, confirming its suitability as a substitute for electrostatic research. In the particle size range of approximately 20–100 μm, the charge per particle of both the simulant and the real regolith falls within 4×10?1?~5×10?13 C. Based on these charging behaviors, separation experiments using a four-phase traveling wave electrostatic field were conducted. The results show that fine particles accumulate in the direction opposite to the electric field propagation (reverse direction), while coarse particles accumulate along the propagation direction (forward direction), indicating that the traveling wave electrostatic field can achieve significant particle size classification. After a single separation, iron and titanium elements are effectively enriched in the forward-moving particles. The Fe?O? content increases from 14.78% to 27.04%, and the TiO? content increases from 2.08% to 2.83%. This work provides a critical theoretical and experimental foundation for developing electrostatic separation technology for lunar regolith under lunar surface conditions.

Key words: lunar regolith simulant, charging characteristics, electrostatic separation, particle size classification, travelling wave electrostatic field, In-situ resource utilization