A new hybrid-structure machine with multi-mode fault-tolerant operation for Mars Rover

Recently, Mars exploring draws more and more attention due to the successful landing of Mars Rovers. It was over 64 months for the Spirit Rover working on Mars. Also, since January 25, 2004, the Opportunity Rover works over 10 years on Mars. These two Rovers work much longer than their design period of 3 months. Furthermore, another NASA Mars Rover, the Curiosity Rover, works very actively on Mars. Thus, it tells that the electromagnetic devices are capable to survive in the Mars Environment. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new hybrid-structure machine for Mars Rover driving, which possesses the multi-mode fault-tolerant merit. That is, the propose machine possesses three operation modes, namely Mode I: the normal operation mode, Mode II: the remedial field-excited operation mode, and Mode III: the remedial rotor operation mode. By using the finite-element-method, three operation modes are analyzed and discussed. The analysis results show that the proposed machine achieves the high fault-tolerant operating capability. And this capability demonstrates that the machine can serve for Mars Rover in a severe environment.