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Predicted Behavior of Lunar Vehicles With Metalastic Wheels
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English
Abstract
To investigate the behavior of a lunar roving vehicle equipped with an elastic wheel system, Grumman engineers conducted analytical studies followed by extensive tests with 1/6 scale models. The results were significant-and some-what surprising.
The elastic wheel system demonstrated distinct advantages over rigid wheels, both in weak soil and on a rough-textured surface. In weak soil the elastic wheel proves to be as effective as a rigid wheel three times its size, and can maintain a near-constant footprint pressure during a 3 to 1 increase in load. Chief advantage on a rough-textured surface is the reduction of unsprung weight.
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Markow, E., "Predicted Behavior of Lunar Vehicles With Metalastic Wheels," SAE Technical Paper 640036, 1964, https://doi.org/10.4271/640036.Also In
References
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