The thesis identifies several limitations in the modelling and attitude stability analysis of two classes of spacecraft: rigid and flexible satellites. Attractive methods
are proposed which promise to have far reaching consequences in spacecraft dynamics. These alternatives, developed based on techniques of differential equations,
classical mechanics, and differential topology, are indicated below.
(a) An Alternate Transition from the Lagrangian of a Satellite to Equations of Motion
The classical procedure requires the Lagrangian to be expressed in terms of the corresponding generalized coordinates of the problem. This requirement significantly
complicates the derivation of the equations of motion through an introduction
of a set of librational generalized coordinates, which is strictly not a part of the dynamical system. Using the Lagrangian in the natural variables (angular velocity, direction cosines, and vibrational coordinates), one develops a procedure for derivation of equations of motion without an a priori choice of rotational generalized coordinates. For the case of a satellite with two flexible plate-type appendages, for example, the approach reduced the formulation time to one-third.
(b) Synthesis and Depiction of Rotational Motion of Satellites and Robots
The rotational coordinates in use for numerical prediction of orientation of a satellite are either singular or redundant. Furthermore, they lack a convenient visual interpretation. A new set of coordinates is proposed and an associated representation is developed which avoids these limitations. The procedure is applied to represent and integrate numerically the librational response of the flexible satellite mentioned in (a).
(c) Resolution of Attitude Stability of Delp Satellites
The development here tackles a long outstanding problem in the area of attitude stability of satellites. The resolution of this problem through normalization of the Hamiltonian leads to a better appreciation of stability associated with the class of gravity gradient structures such as the proposed Space Station. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Mechanical Engineering, Department of / Graduate
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UBC/oai:circle.library.ubc.ca:2429/29019 |
| Date | January 1988 |
| Creators | Marandi, Said Rashed |
| Publisher | University of British Columbia |
| Source Sets | University of British Columbia |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis/Dissertation |
| Rights | For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use. |
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