Generative Design and DEM-FEA Simulations for Optimization and Validation of a Bio-Inspired Airless Tire-Wheel System for Land-Based Space Planetary Exploration Robot

Abstract

Generative design is an intelligent optimization tool that has been benefited from recent years computational development and has been implemented in numerous industries in order to efficiently solve complex design problems. For the purpose of optimize the design of an airless tire that will be used in a space exploration rover called “Pachacutec”, Kamayuc Team has carried out research at the Smart Machines Laboratory of the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería. The research methodology consisted in proposing a preliminary design of an airless tire based on the internal structural disposition of dicot plants stems, subsequently a generative design study was carried out using Fusion 360 and the final design obtained was subjected to FEA and DEM-FEA simulations performed in Ansys and Rocky DEM. Parameters such as mass, strain, and stress distribution were analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the generative design study and to predict the performance of the airless tire. The results showed that the final design weighs significantly less than the preliminary designs and its use under the required loading conditions is still feasible and safe. To develop a further investigation, the authors suggest manufacturing the final design of the optimized airless tire and perform real laboratory tests to validate the performance of the prototype.