Phase II Final Report - NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
List of Tables .............................................................................................................. iii
List of Figures ............................................................................................................. v
List of Contributors ................................................................................................. xiii
Executive Summary .................................................................................................. xv
Chapter 1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................ 1
1.1 History of Mars Flight .................................................................................................................4
1.2 Origins of the Entomopter Concept ..........................................................................................7
1.2.1 Why Flapping Wing Flight? ...............................................................................................10
1.3 Mission ......................................................................................................................................12
1.3.1 Mission Introduction ..........................................................................................................12
1.3.2 Mission Architecture ..........................................................................................................13
1.3.3 Science Application ...........................................................................................................16
Chapter 2.0 Entomopter Configuration and Operation ......................................... 25
2.1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................25
2.2 Entomopter Morphology and Function ..................................................................................25
2.3 Baseline Mars Survey Flight Scenario for System Sizing ....................................................29
2.4 Environmental Conditions for Flight on Mars .......................................................................31
2.4.1 Physical Properties ...........................................................................................................33
2.4.2 Atmospheric Conditions ....................................................................................................33
2.4.3 Dust Storms and Wind ......................................................................................................36
2.4.4 Soil Composition ...............................................................................................................38
Chapter 3.0 Vehicle Design ...................................................................................... 41
3.1 Wing Sizing ...............................................................................................................................41
3.1.1 Engine Energy Production Requirements .........................................................................41
3.1.2 Energy Required Due to Motion ........................................................................................41
3.2 Wing Motion and Structure Analysis ......................................................................................50
3.3 Wing Aerodynamics .................................................................................................................65
3.3.1 Computational Fluid Dynamics .........................................................................................65
3.3.2 Angle of Attack Analysis ..................................................................................................112
3.3.3 Analytical Analysis of Mars Entomopter Aerodynamics ..................................................116
3.3.4 Active Flow Control (“Blowing” of the Wings) ..................................................................151
3.4 Reciprocating Chemical Muscle ...........................................................................................154
3.4.1 Fourth-generation Design Goals .....................................................................................157
3.4.2 Fourth-generation Concept .............................................................................................158
3.4.3 Sizing of the Entomopter-based Aerial Mars Surveyor ...................................................163
3.5 Fuel Storage and Production ................................................................................................169
3.5.1 Introduction .....................................................................................................................169
3.5.2 Propellant Selection ........................................................................................................170
3.5.3 Propellant Production and Storage .................................................................................179
3.5.4 Fuel Storage System .......................................................................................................203
3.5.5 Fuel Systems Comparison ..............................................................................................205
3.6 Power System .........................................................................................................................206
3.6.1 Communications .............................................................................................................207
3.6.2 Science Instruments ........................................................................................................208
3.6.3 Internal Systems .............................................................................................................208
3.6.4 Photovoltaic/Battery ........................................................................................................209
3.6.5 Thin-film Photovoltaics ....................................................................................................210
3.6.6 Lithium Batteries .............................................................................................................216
3.6.7 Thermoelectric Power Generation ..................................................................................220
3.6.8 Linear Alternator System .................................................................................................223
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