THERMOMECHANICAL FAILURE ANALYSIS OF THE PRIMARY MULTILAYER STRUCTURE OF A LUNAR ROVER

This thesis presents a thermo-mechanical analysis of a rover’s multilayer shell, aiming to evaluate its structural response to the extreme thermal fluctuations characteristic of the lunar environment. The study leverages the MUL2 software to simulate these conditions, ensuring the design can withstand the Moon’s harsh thermal cycles while maintaining structural integrity. A key aspect of the research involves comparing different shell configurations to assess their performance under thermal loads. By examining various material combinations and thicknesses, the study seeks to identify the most effective solutions that balance weight efficiency with load resistance, ensuring the rover remains both lightweight and durable. The methodology begins with a review of existing designs from prior missions and literature, providing a foundation for modeling different multilayer structures. Once the models are developed, the relevant material properties are compiled to ensure accurate simulations. The MUL2 software is then used to analyze thermal stresses and deformations, with results cross-verified using Abaqus for validation. To ensure reliability, the study includes a failure criteria assessment, verifying whether each configuration can endure the expected thermal loads without compromising safety. Finally, the different designs are compared systematically, leading to the selection of the optimal solution based on thermal performance, structural strength, and weight constraints. This comprehensive approach ensures that the rover’s shell is rigorously tested and optimized for the demanding conditions of lunar exploration.