Abstract In order to assess space tow solar sail stability and control feasibility, slew simulations are performed for a simplified but dynamically representative km-class tow-like sail of sixteen 25m square units (10,000m2 total area and 110kg gross mass) with a 250kg payload. It is seen that, for the dimensions considered, the space tow concept is structurally sound and its control is feasible. While observed instabilities are identified as numeric in nature and are eliminated accordingly, their very occurrence highlights the need for a refinement of the model for future studies. The analyses are carried out with custom software implementing non-standard implicit-iterative time integration with innovative elements. A new damping model, specifically tailored for the analysis of truly gossamer systems such as solar sails, is also proposed.
Time step size and model stiffness in the simulated slew of a tow of square sails
Advances in Space Research ; 48 , 11 ; 1917-1921
2011-01-01
5 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Time step size and model stiffness in the simulated slew of a tow of square sails
Online Contents | 2011
|Pitch Slew Simulation for a Tow of 25 m Square Sails
AIAA | 2008
|Performance Scalability of Square Solar Sails
AIAA | 2017
|Prediction of Winkle Amplitudes in Square Solar Sails
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003
|Prediction of Winkle Amplitudes in Square Solar Sails
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