ROVER WHEELS: Monitoring changes over time, NOTE: Read back through the thread to avoid repeating misconceptions |
ROVER WHEELS: Monitoring changes over time, NOTE: Read back through the thread to avoid repeating misconceptions |
May 16 2013, 08:35 AM
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Junior Member Group: Members Posts: 22 Joined: 10-August 12 From: Australia Member No.: 6530 |
[MOD NOTE: This thread follows on a post by Ed Truthan containing a MAHLI mosaic of MSL wheels taken on sol 275.]
Ed: zooming in on that marvellous underbelly MAHLI montage, there appears to be further (and previously noted) deformation of the wheel surfaces. Damage is most evident in the view of the front-left wheel inner surface. Such wear has previously been discussed and concerns allayed. Nevertheless, the front left wheel surface *appears* to have been punctured. We've only done 700 meters, and have 7000 more to get to Mt Sharp..... Given that more odometry has now accumulated, is any (re-)new(ed) concern valid? DeanM |
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May 16 2013, 05:33 PM
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 4256 Joined: 17-January 05 Member No.: 152 |
Being in shadow means they couldn't reflect the Sun, but they still could see some part of the sky and reflect it. The sky is a big thing so it's hard to block all of it!
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May 16 2013, 07:56 PM
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 2431 Joined: 30-January 13 From: Penang, Malaysia. Member No.: 6853 |
I am sure this wheel debate will roll on for some time (pun not really intended). I have not found the specification for the material for the rover wheels, but judging from the number of dings in the rims we know the material is very ductile, but it appears to be a high performance aluminium alloy. Reassuringly aluminium remains ductile even at extremely low temperatures, but good to see that drives have occurred at mid day when the temperature ranges reduce any fatigue issues created by very low temperatures.
I would not be concerned with small punctures in the rims, after all we already have the 'Morse Code' cut outs, nor would I be concerned with a plethora of additional dings that we can expect during the remainder of its mission, but am concerned about possible 'work hardening' of the material which over time could reduce the ductility of the material that could lead to undesirably issues. I am sure the engineering team and drive planners will remind the science team from time to time that the rover wheels are not designed as rock crushers and that we would like them to last as long as the power supply |
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