Publication: A robust dynamical model of a flexible space tether
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2020
Defense date
2020-09-23
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Abstract
An N-bar non-singular model to analyze tether dynamics with an arbitrary number of
degrees of freedom is presented. The tether is modelled as N inelastic bars with ideal
joints connected to a main orbiting body on one end and an end mass on the other. The
use of a non-minimal coordinate approach yields a system of equations free of orientation
singularities. In terms of electromagnetic forces, a simplified non-tilted dipole model is
considered. The newly developed model is compared and verified with previous works in
the single bar and two-bar cases with a Monte Carlo analysis. The periodic orbits obtained
by previous authors are also considered in the verification. The potential of the new model
is highlighted by analyzing the effect the number of bars has on the tether dynamics in
various regions of the parameter space. The optimum number of bars required to capture
the full dynamic behaviour is discussed as a function of the strength of the instabilities.
It is observed that if the instability is too strong, the required number of bars could be
significantly higher or convergence of the motion could even be impossible.
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Keywords
Electrodynamic tether, Dynamic models, Lagrangian system