Laboratory Tests of Rolling Resistance of Different Tread Profiles for the Wheel of Martian Roverr

Abstract

The aim of the research was to design and build a research stand that can be used to compare different types of tire tread profiles of the Mars rover (made using 3D printing) and to select the one that meets the criterion of the lowest power consumption of the drive motor, which corresponds to the minimum rolling resistance in paved area. As part of the task, a research stand was designed and built, consisting of two drive units of the tested drive system: one as a driving unit, the other as a driven unit, generating resistance when rolling one tire after another. During the tests, the following parameters were measured: the amplitude of the supply current, the rotational speed, information about which was obtained from the motor controller and the encoder located in the BLDC (brushless direct-current) motor, and their variability over time. Additionally, the amplitude of the force press - ing the wheel against the supporting surface, which generated tire deflection, was also measured. A relationship was demonstrated between the type of tire tread used, the force pressing the tires against the supporting surface and the rolling resistance forces of the Mars rover tires. The tire with the lowest rolling resistance under given operating conditions was selected.