Robust design of Mars entry micro-probe with evidence theory and multi-fidelity strategies

Abstract

Purpose – A multi-disciplinary robust design optimization method for micro Mars entry probe (no more than 0.8 m in diameter) is proposed. The purpose of this paper is to design a Mars entry probe, not only the geometric configuration, but the trajectory and thermal protection system (TPS). In the design optimization, the uncertainties of atmospheric and aerodynamic parameters are taken into account. The probability distribution information of the uncertainties are supposed to be unknown in the design. To ensure accuracy levels, time-consuming numerical models are coupled in the optimization. Multi-fidelity approach is designed for model management to balance the computational cost and accuracy. Design/methodology/approach – Uncertainties which cannot defined by usual Gaussian probability distribution are modeled with degree of belief, and optimized through with multiple-objective optimization method. The optimization objectives are set to be the thermal performance of the probe TPS and the corresponding b...