Ficca 1

Daniel Ficca

4/14/22

ENAE324

Mary Bowden

Milestone 2 – Skycrane Crossbeam Structural Analysis

After designing the initial shape of the Skycrane, it is apparent that the vessel relies on

the strength and support of a singular X-shaped crossbeam to handle gravitational and loads

incurred by the thrusters. This crossbeam has been isolated and given a thin-walled shell

thickness of 25mm, which is thin compared to its 4.2m length in the long axis. The entire beam

is hollow and will be made of Aluminum-6061.

Figure 1 Beam Structure

Gravitational forces for this analysis will be utilizing Mar’s 𝑔𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑠 = 3.721 𝑚/𝑠 2 at its surface

where this vessel will see operation. NX has special functions for handling gravitational forces

on a structure which will be utilized. The Curiosity rover payload will have a mass = 174kg for

our calculations to be as realistic as possible, modeled as a point force at the bottom center of
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this beam. Taking the mass of the Skycrane with fuel to be 226kg (to make the math easy) that
𝑚
gives us a total mass of 400kg to lift in Martian gravity. 400kg ∗ 3.721 𝑠2 = 1488.4 𝑁 required

to lift our vessel with payload. Applying a low Safety Factor of 1.35 (since it will be easier to

lift a fuel burns) gives us a force required of 2009.3N ≈ 2000N. We will assume then that this

force needs to be generated by our four rocket engines, which will be modelled as four 500N

point forces located at the ends of the X-beam. With all our loads now defined, structural

analysis in NX is as follows:

Figure 2 Load Configuration

For various structural views, there exists the 10% view, and the 1:1 absolute view which give

very different visual data but relay the same information. The weird “spikes” in the following

images are due to the fact that I placed fixed supports at the internal corners of the X-beam

where it would be attached to the docking clamp on the Skycrane, which cannot move due to the

precision needed in docking for airtight seals. Below is an example of the 10% view and the 1:1
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absolute view for the total displacement/deflection (in mm) of this part with these forces

followed by the stress in the elements:

Figure 3 10% Displacement

Figure 4 1:1 Absolute Displacement

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Figure 5 10% Stress in Elements

Figure 6 1:1 Stress in Elements