Dynamics of the contour motion of a flexible-thread loop under conditions of the orbital flight of a space vehicle
Abstract
The paper is concerned with a space vehicle antenna concept which uses a loop of a flexible nonstretchable thread, with a relative 'contour' velocity imparted to the loop by a mechanical drive. It has been established that, due to the Coriolis and centrifugal inertia forces only, the loop will assume the shape of a circle in a local vertical plane coinciding with the plane of symmetry of the flying space vehicle. Due to aerodynamic drag forces distributed along the thread, the loop will extend in the direction of the incoming air flow. Here, results of a further study of the loop dynamics at the stages of acceleration and steady contour motion are reported.
- Publication:
-
Studies on the Mechanics of Space Flight in the Light of K.E. Tsiolkovsky's Ideas; Lectures Devoted to K.E. Tsiolkovsky's Ideas
- Pub Date:
- 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991smsf.tran....8R
- Keywords:
-
- Circular Orbits;
- Flexible Spacecraft;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Trusses;
- Center Of Mass;
- Loops;
- Orbital Mechanics;
- Spacecraft Design, Testing and Performance