Research Area: Mechanical Engineering
Student Presenter: Zackery Watson, Jackson Black, Matthew Gass, Vicente Ochoa
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ruaa Al Mezrakchi
Authors: Ruaa Al Mezrakchi, Zackery Watson, Jackson Black, Matthew Gass, and Vicente Ochoa
Department: Mechanical, Environmental, and Civil Engineering
Student Classification/Affiliation: Watson (Junior/MECE), Black (Sophomore/MECE), Gass (Junior/MECE), Ochoa (Sophomore/MECE)
Abstract: As space travel gets more popular and exploration of solar systems becomes more demanding, developing a cheap and effective data collection and planetary surface exploration device turns into a higher priority. This can be accomplished through the additive manufacturing advancing technology. This evolving technology is a cheap and fast way to produce complex parts and designs compared with traditional manufacturing methods. Thus, additive manufacturing is the best candidate for developing small rovers with complex designs. Those miniature vehicles can be used to explore places where larger rovers cannot approach. Besides, one large scale rover can carry several medium size rovers to increase the area of exploration. In this research, a medium size rover is designed and developed with good directional movements and ability to travel over very difficult terrain. Additive manufacturing technique is investigated to fabricate the rover structure including legs, chassis, wheels, and main body. Moreover, a special electrical system along with various electronic components is developed and embedded into the structure. Multiple tests were performed on the developed rover to ensure its functionality. This research is the key to explore the practical use of additive manufacturing in developing future rover to be used in space explorations.