Abstract This paper presents the design, modelling and experimental verification of a damping joint for application to miniature space docking mechanisms. The joint design is based on deformable elastomeric elements, thus avoiding any sliding or contact between moving components. Numerical FEM simulations have been conducted in order to quantify the joint mechanical characteristics (rigidity and damping coefficient) as a function of the main design parameters (geometry, material, assembly). The obtained parametric relations provide an estimate of the joint characteristics based on the selected design. An equivalent visco-elastic model is developed and implemented in dynamic simulations. The results of the experimental evaluation of the joint design provide a validation of the developed models and prove the advantage of adopting damping joints in docking applications between small satellites, like reduced contact loads and enhanced damping.
Highlights Passive damping joint to manage the contact loads between miniature docking interfaces. Simple solid-state design with sizing relations. Laboratory validation of force reduction and energy dissipation concepts. Experimental validation of the mathematical models.
Compliant joint to reduce docking loads between CubeSats
Acta Astronautica ; 205 ; 153-162
2023-01-26
10 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English