Abstract The standard approach of controlling in-orbit large flexible structures only by adopting actuators and sensors located at platform level is currently being challenged by new missions’ stringent requirements in terms of demanding guidance profiles and instrument performance. In this perspective, smart materials offer a different solution to improve the performance of space systems by controlling the vibrations of such lightweight structures. In this paper, the problem of designing an end-to-end architecture for active control of large in-orbit structures is addressed. First, a FE model of a large space antenna is derived by using commercial software. The instrument is designed to be supported by an active deployable frame hosting an optimal minimum set of collocated smart actuators and sensors. To this purpose, a comparison among different placement techniques, as Gramian and Modal Strain Energy (MSE) based methods, is proposed to find the final configuration for both actuators and sensors. Attention is paid to create a GNC strategy combining collocated control on flexible appendages with platform control, while minimizing the relative displacements among the most critical points of the antenna. To achieve high performance, Linear Fractional Transformation (LFT) modelling and advanced multivariable techniques are implemented. Finally, to validate the proposed controller, the control system is tested by simulating typical spacecraft manoeuvre profiles.
Highlights The problem of designing a general architecture for attitude and vibration control for a large flexible antenna is addressed. A large antenna mesh reflector based on realistic space mission data is designed by using FEM techniques. A network of smart actuators/sensors including Piezo-stack actuators is developed. The placement of actuators/sensors is investigated via open-loops methods for generically shaped tri-dimensional structures. Attitude manoeuvres are performed to prove the efficacy of both the attitude and vibration control system.
End-to-end design of a robust attitude control and vibration suppression system for large space smart structures
Acta Astronautica ; 187 ; 416-428
2021-04-06
13 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Adaptive robust attitude control and active vibration suppression of flexible spacecraft
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