I have a crazy idea on how to quickly build shelters on #Mars (or in the Sahara).
One proposal to provide protection (from wind, radiation, temperature fluctuations) for a habitat on Mars is to 3D-print a shelter out of regolith.
But that's slow and cumbersome.
But that's slow and cumbersome.
A faster (and more fun) solution would be to build the shelters using underground explosions.
An explosion is a quick and cheap way to clear an underground space.
But in order to prevent the space from collapsing again after the explosion, the right type of bomb must be chosen.
But in order to prevent the space from collapsing again after the explosion, the right type of bomb must be chosen.
A pressurized CO2 container surrounded by potassium silicate (waterglass) could work.
(Alternatively, nitroglycerine could be used instead of CO2. It has more power and produces CO2 during the explosion.)
(Alternatively, nitroglycerine could be used instead of CO2. It has more power and produces CO2 during the explosion.)
The bomb is inserted into a borehole of sufficient depth.
A small ignition charge detonates the CO2 container.
The pressurized CO2 expands abruptly and displaces the soil, soking it with the waterglass.
The #CO2 then reacts with the waterglass/soil mixture to form a solid shell not unlike concrete.
The pressurized CO2 expands abruptly and displaces the soil, soking it with the waterglass.
The #CO2 then reacts with the waterglass/soil mixture to form a solid shell not unlike concrete.
Voilà ready's your ______ (How should I name it?)
