Engineering Elements for Transportation on the Lunar Surface

Abstract

Major aspects of engineering planetary transportation vehicles are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the the mechanics of mobility and mobility system design, including considerations for designing the wheels, drive, steering, and suspension systems. Because mobility performance of any vehicle is extremely sensitive to environmental (e.g. soil properties) and design (e.g. vehicle weight) parameters, the mechanics of mobility are addressed by parametric application as well as empirical (derived relationships and equations) form. Finally, and more philosophical in nature, discussions of the key considerations for designing and analyzing each of the components of mobility (locomotion, steering, suspension, and stability) are also included. These discussions include some general guidelines to assist in determining the values of key design parameters.

Study of Mobility Performance Parameters of Planetary Rovers-A Review

“…An increase in diameter rather than wheel width reduces the compaction resistance [1], [17], (Diameter is inversely proportional to R c ).…”

Prediction of Tractive Limitations of a Rigid Wheel on Loose Soil

“…Thus, its physical parameters vary depending on its density. Moreover, the soil parameters to be used in the models can be determined by past data from lunar soil tests [Wallace and Rao, 1993;Heiken et al, 1991]. This paper focuses on the dependence of Ø and C with the tractive limitations.…”