Research on the load-bearing performance of new bionic lunar rover wheels

Abstract

In response to the limitations of existing flexible metal wheels in meeting heavy load requirements, a tire/foot integrated bionic wheel with characteristics of being non-inflatable, high load-bearing, and effective vibration damping was designed. A detailed study was carried out to analyze its load-carrying properties under different mechanical working conditions using the finite element method. By simulating different static loading conditions in the vertical direction and considering the balance between wheel elasticity and stiffness, the final plate thickness was determined to be 1 mm. Radial stiffness simulation revealed a radial stiffness of approximately 250 N/mm for the novel bionic lunar rover wheel. According to the above simulation results, the mechanical properties of the wheels of the bionic lunar rover are manufactured and tested, and the test results show that the experimental results are consistent with the simulation results, which verifies the accuracy of the simulation results.