Attachment performance analysis and experimental study of lunar rock bionic attachment device based on DEM-MBD

Abstract

Lunar rock sampling is an important means of studying the evolutionary history of planets. However, facing the special microgravity environment of the Moon, general rock sampling drills cannot provide the torque and pressure required for the mission. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the sampling drill with attachment function. In this study, the claw spines of insects were simulated, and a biomimetic spine laminated structure with flexible connections was designed. The working principle of attachment and detachment was analyzed using a rod model with elastic characteristics. The process of biomimetic spines attaching to rough surfaces was simulated using the coupling method of multi-body dynamics and discrete element analysis (MBD-DEM). The mechanical properties of bionic claws during attachment were analyzed. Mechanical experiments were conducted on biomimetic spines attached to volcanic rock. The experiment results for single and multiple spines were compared with the simulation results, verifying the accuracy and reliability of the simulation model. Finally, A bionic attachment prototype was designed and tested for performance. The attachment device was integrated into a sampling drill and drilling experiments were conducted. This article provides important reference for the optimization of biomimetic spine structures, along with adding value to the design of attachment equipment.