The Enabler: A reevaluation of design concepts and construction of a scaled model
Abstract
The basic objective of the student's work this quarter was to make an in depth examination of the design concepts used on the lunar vehicle 'The Enabler'. Several changes were made to the vehicle including a redesigned wheel, a more compact boom and a reduced articulation angle. The vehicle's final dimensions were determined through an optimization process by defining mathematical equations for several of the vehicle's defined objectives. These included the ability to scale a one meter object, traverse a one meter crevice, and maintain a wheel-to-wheel clearance of three inches while at maximum articulation. The final dimensions of the vehicle were used to construct an approximate 1/4 scale model of the chassis and wheels. The boom, however, was constructed on a 1/5 scale (from the original design). This was due to the redesign of the boom and the limitations of the constructing material and PVC fittings.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- June 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992STIN...9318039B
- Keywords:
-
- Lunar Surface Vehicles;
- University Program;
- Booms (Equipment);
- Chassis;
- Mechanical Engineering;
- Scale Models;
- Wheels;
- Mechanical Engineering