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Digital simulation of counterspun nutation damper operation under non-ideal operating conditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

R. R. Clements
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol
J. H. Wright
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol

Summary

Previous analysis of the operation of the counterspun nutation damper has been restricted to small nutation angles and to axisymmetric spacecraft. This paper develops equations for the dynamics of nutation damper/spacecraft combinations in which the spacecraft is non-axisymmetric and may adopt large nutation angles. In addition, a mechanism to model the growth of nutation due to energy dissipative mechanisms on board the spacecraft is introduced.

The dynamic equations were programmed in a digital simulation language. The effects of three probable imperfections in the construction and operation of nutation dampers on the operating characteristics of the dampers were investigated by simulation. The implications of these non-ideal conditions for the design of counterspun nutation dampers are identified.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1983 

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References

1. Annett, R., Shackcloth, W. J. and Tonkin, S. W. Theory, Simulation and Practical Tests of a Counterspun Nutation Damper for Prolate Spinners. AIAAJ Guidance and Control, 1980, 3, 290.Google Scholar
2. Tonkin, S. W. Improvements Relating to Spacecraft Provided with Nutation Dampers, UK Patent 1344256, submitted 1970.Google Scholar
3. Tonkin, S. W. Non-active Nutation Damping for Single-Spin Spacecraft of all Mass Distributions; Aeronautical Journal, 1976, 80. 394.Google Scholar