Design and optimization of lattice infilled landing impact absorbing structure for a reentry capsule

Abstract

The reentry capsule for returning samples from extraterrestrial celestial body usually is of small size and compact layout, while at the same time it must be able to withstand the heavy impact during landing. Thus, the design of the lading impact absorbing structure is very challenging. This study proposes employing the truss lattice infilled sandwich structures to achieve the goal of both lightweight design and effective landing impact absorbing. Firstly, the homogenized equivalent mechanical properties of the BCC and BCCZ lattice structures are analyzed and compared. Then, sizing optimization is performed for the lattice infilled impact absorbing structure based on the design of experiment (DOE) and response surface methodology (RSM). Results indicate that when the incline angles of the bars in the lattice structure are small, the BCCZ lattice infilled structure can have better comprehensive loading-bearing performance, i.e. it can achieve better resistance to landing impact deformation give the same structural weight.