A MONTE CARLO ANALYSIS OF THE VIKING LANDER DYNAMICS AT TOUCHDOWN

摘要

A dynamic computational analysis has been performed to determine the Viking lander motions, accelerations, leg forces, and body-ground clearances during and following the landing event. The performance of the Viking lander has been evaluated by using a Monte Carlo simulation, and all results are presented in statistical form. The primary objectives of this analysis were as follows:n(1) To determine the "three-sigma" design values of maximum rigid-body accelerationsnand the minimum clearance of the lander body during landingn(2) To determine the probability of an unstable landingn(3) To determine the probability of the lander body striking a rocknTwo configurations were analyzed with the only difference being in the ability of the primary landing-gear struts to carry tension loads.