Design and Analysis of Lunar Rover Wheels Using Finite Element Modelling

Abstract

The initiative to explore the moon has always been a necessity for deep space exploration to humans. But exploration needs mobility, and whether you are on Earth or the moon, you need sensible tires to induce your vehicle from one place to another. But exploring an unknown extra-terrestrial land is a demanding task. This paper presents a survey on the lunar environment, the design requirements for a lunar rover wheel and has analyzed different rover wheels. Wheels contacting with the surface of the moon must be able to withstand the moon’s harsh environment. The wheel is required to have much terrain ability as possible in the lunar surface, which includes soft regolith and slopes to boulders/steps and craters to achieve robust teleoperation. Various kinds of wheels, such as rigid, elastic, flexible, and wire meshed concepts, have been discussed, and a qualitative analysis shows which wheel would be efficient for specific missions.