“This thesis aims to study the development of a 3D printing system that will utilize solar radiation to heat and melt the printing material on the lunar surface. In order to melt materials using the solar radiation, a Fresnel lens will concentrate the radiation onto an optical waveguide system. The design is based on fused deposition modeling and selective laser melting techniques. Electronic components like Arduino and RepRap Arduino Mega Polulu Shield are utilized to control the 3D printing machine. The distinct characteristics of the optical fibers are also studied with principles of total internal reflection and core-cladding boundary. The overall research can be categorized as in situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the lunar surface. Keywords: In situ resource utilization, solar concentrator, 3D printing, optic fiber, Arduino.”
Paper published to Carleton University Institutional Repository in 2022 https://repository.library.carleton.ca/concern/etds/mw22v6551