Dust emission evaluation of the flexible metal wheel over lunar terrain and fender effect

Abstract

The lunar rover’s wheels produce substantial dust emission during movement, presenting safety concerns for astronauts and potential equipment wear. Replicating the dust emission behavior in the low-gravity environment on Earth is challenging. This study proposes a numerical approach to analyze the dust emission distribution of an elastic wire mesh wheel over lunar terrain. The analysis considers adhesion and electrostatic forces within a Discrete Element Method (DEM) model of lunar dust. Then a Multi-Flexible Body Dynamics (MFBD) model of a flexible wire mesh wheel was developed. A virtual single-wheel soil bin experiment was conducted to examine dust emission features under various motion conditions and on rough terrain. Additionally, alternative structures of dust fender were designed to effectively suppress dust, and the effects of the structural features on dust emission were further explored. This comprehensive study provides a valuable reference for simulation and dust-control technologies related to elastic lunar wheels, offering insights that contribute to the effective management of dust emissions from lunar rover wheels.