Optimisation of a Hydrodynamic SPH-FEM Model for a Bioinspired Aerial-aquatic Spacecraft on Titan

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and optimization of a hydrodynamic SPH-FEM model for a bioinspired aerial-aquatic spacecraft designed for Titan, aiming to support in-situ exploration and liquid sampling in its complex environment.

Contribution

It introduces a novel combined SPH-FEM modeling approach tailored for Titan's unique conditions, enhancing the design and simulation of bioinspired aerial-aquatic vehicles.

Findings

Optimized the hydrodynamic model for Titan's environment

Demonstrated potential for in-situ liquid sampling

Supported the design of bioinspired aerial vehicles

Abstract

Titan, Saturn's largest moon, supports a dense atmosphere, numerous bodies of liquid on its surface, and as a richly organic world is a primary focus for understanding the processes that support the development of life. In-situ exploration to follow that of the Huygens probe is intended in the form of the coming NASA Dragonfly mission, acting as a demonstrator for powered flight on the moon and aiming to answer some key questions about the atmosphere, surface, and potential for habitability. While a quadcopter presents one of the most ambitious outer Solar System mission profiles to date, this paper aims to present the case for an aerial vehicle also capable of in-situ liquid sampling and show some of the attempts currently being made to model the behaviour of this spacecraft.