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Design, analysis and experiment of a novel repeatable buffer landing mechanism
Daoguang Han1, Dongsheng Zhang1, Jinhua Zhou2
1School of Construction Machinery, Shandong Jiao tong University, Jinan, 250357, China.
Scientific Reports
|August 9, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel PZT-driven reusable buffering mechanism for lunar landers, offering rapid response and compliant buffering. The new design ensures smaller, stable acceleration changes for enhanced reusability and performance.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Materials Science
- Control Systems
Background:
- Traditional lunar landing buffering relies on single-use aluminum honeycomb structures.
- These systems suffer from irreversible deformation and abrupt acceleration changes, limiting reusability.
- Short landing times (within 1s) necessitate rapid-response buffering mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a PZT-driven reusable buffering mechanism for lunar landers.
- To develop an adaptive control strategy for lag compensation.
- To achieve compliant buffering and enhanced reusability.
Main Methods:
- A PZT-driven mechanism converting linear to rotational motion using a lead screw nut was designed.
- Finite element impact dynamics simulations analyzed structural responses to varying impact forces.
- A Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy neural network was implemented for control lag compensation.
Main Results:
- Dynamic responses and structural behavior under impact were analyzed.
- Experiments at 2-4 m/s landing velocities demonstrated maximum reverse accelerations of 1.94-2.13 m/s².
- The mechanism showed smaller and more stable acceleration changes compared to the Chang'e-3 lander.
Conclusions:
- A novel PZT-based reusable buffering mechanism was successfully designed and validated.
- The adaptive fuzzy neural network strategy effectively compensated for control lag.
- The developed system offers improved performance for lunar landing applications.
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