Structural analyses of the JPL Mars Pathfinder impact
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States). Material and Structural Mechanics Dept.
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that finite element analysis can be used in the design process for high performance fabric structures. These structures exhibit extreme geometric nonlinearity; specifically, the contact and interaction of fabric surfaces with the large deformation which necessarily results from membrane structures introduces great complexity to analyses of this type. All of these features are demonstrated here in the analysis of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Mars Pathfinder impact onto Mars. This lander system uses airbags to envelope the lander experiment package, protecting it with large deformation upon contact. Results from the analysis show the stress in the fabric airbags, forces in the internal tendon support system, forces in the latches and hinges which allow the lander to deploy after impact, and deceleration of the lander components. All of these results provide the JPL engineers with design guidance for the success of this novel lander system.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 46708
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-94-2324C; CONF-950582-1; ON: DE95009581; TRN: AHC29513%%123
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 13. AIAA aerodynamic decelerator systems technology conference, Clearwater Beach, FL (United States), 15-19 May 1995; Other Information: PBD: [1994]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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