Book Description

Results of analytical touchdown dynamics investigations are presented which were conducted to obtain estimates of the probability of stable landing for configurations with various landing gear diameters. Both three-legged and four-legged vehicles are considered in the analysis. Dynamic scaling considerations are taken into account so that the results are applicable to a wide range of vehicle size and mass. A Monte Carlo approach is taken in the determination of initial landing conditions. Results indicate that for a given probability of stable landing, a three-legged vehicle requires a landing gear diameter only slightly larger than the diameter required for a four-legged vehicle. Therefore the three-legged vehicle's landing gear should weigh less.