Professor Wang Shun's team at Wuhan University (WHU) has made a breakthrough in lunar regolith mechanics, with findings published in Acta Geotechnica.  

The typical loading and shear band development modes of lunar regolith based on the Chang'e 5 lunar regolith simulant WHU-1, along with a comparison of the mechanical properties of lunar regolith from different sampling areas.

Using Chang'e 5 samples as a reference, the team developed WHU-1, a high-fidelity lunar regolith simulant with a median particle size of 30.96 microns, angular grains, and a well-graded composition. This provides a crucial foundation for lunar soil research.  

Through self-developed back-pressure-controlled shear testing, the study revealed three key properties of WHU-1:  

1. Water pressure effects – Uneven stress distribution reduces cohesion and increases internal friction.  

2. Vacuum strengthening – Lower atmospheric pressure significantly boosts shear strength.  

3. Failure pattern evolution – High confining pressure delays strength degradation via shear band networks.  

WHU-1 exhibited higher shear strength than Apollo samples, suggesting Chang'e 5 lunar regolith may offer a more stable foundation for lunar construction. This research provides essential data for future lunar engineering and resource utilization.  

Link to paper: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-025-02553-7