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4 Structure and Mechanism Technology of Lunar Lander
4. Static Analysis for the Lunar Rover Separation Mechanism
When the lunar lander was launched, the lunar rover was connected with the lunar
lander reliably by the separation mechanism and withstood the loads during launch
and landing. Therefore, the lunar rover separation mechanism should have sufficient
stiffness and strength. the lunar rover bracket was the primary component that withstood and transferred the load. The basic requirement was that it should satisfy the
static characteristics (static strength) requirements of the structure. The mechanics
analysis for the lunar rover separation mechanism was mainly for the static analysis
of the lunar rover bracket.
In the static analysis, the finite element modeling of the lunar rover and the lunar
rover bracket was carried out respectively. According to the specific load conditions
of three coordinate axes, the complex model of the lunar rover and its bracket was
statically analyzed. The finite element model is shown in Fig. 4.24.
5. Test of the Lunar Rover Separation Mechanism
1) Function tests
The basic function of the lunar rover separation mechanism was to connect the lunar
rover with the lander and release by command. After the lunar rover was released,
the lunar rover would be lifted to a certain height and provided guidance for the lunar
rover by the separation mechanism. There would be the connection and separation/lift
function test in function tests of the separation mechanism.
Fig. 4.24 Finite element model of the complex of the lunar rover and its bracket