Abstract
Two important applications of electrodynamics tethers, among others, are those of using them for deorbiting and/or propulsion. A crucial issue for both of the above applications is the dynamic stability of the tether system. The electrodynamic forces on the tether couple, in fact, in-plane and out-of-plane oscillations and, especially for light systems, can drive the tethers unstable. In both the applications of deorbiting and propulsion, the tether system is supposed to operate for long intervals of time (months) so that a crucial issue, in view of the fact that the system is potentially unstable, is that of analyzing the constraints to ensure long term safe operations (i.e. with the tether oscillation amplitudes below certain limits). In this paper we consider this issue referring for the lateral oscillations of a flexible tether. We refer to a bare conducting tether with the current to the various tether elements calculated from plasma theory. In addition, we impose a time variation of the current and model the response to changes in ionospheric density.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
ANSELMO, L., ROSSI, A. and PARDINI, C. “Updated Results of the Long Term Evolution of the Space Debris Environment,” Advances in Space Research, Vol. 23, 1999, pp. 201–211.
DOBROWOLNY, M., VANNARONI, G. and De VENUTO, F. “Electrodynamic Deorbiting of LEO Satellites,” Il Nuovo Cimento, 23C, 85, 2000, pp. 85–105.
VANNARONI, G., DOBROWOLNY, M., and De VENUTO, F. “Deorbiting with Electrodynamic Tethers: Comparison Between Different Tether Configurations,” Space Debris, Vol. 1, 2001, pp. 159–172.
BALANCE, J. and JOHNSON, L. “Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS),” Proceedings of Space Technology and Applications International Forum (STAIF-2001), edited by M. El-Genk, AIP Conference Proceedings 552, American Institute of Physics, New York, 2001, pp. 419–424.
LORENZINI, E. C., ESTES, R. D., COSMO, M. L., and PELAEZ, J. “Dynamical, Electrical and Thermal Coupling in a New Class of Electrodynamic Tethered Systems,” paper AAS 99-192 in Spaceflight Mechanics 2000, Vol. 102, Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, ed. by R. H. Bishop, D. L. Mackison, R. D. Culp, M. J. Evans, 1999.
PELAEZ, J., LORENZINI, E. C., LOPEZ-REBOLLAL, O., and RUIZ, M. “A New Kind of Dynamic Instability in Electrodynamic Tethers,” The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 48, No. 4, 2000, pp. 449–476.
PELAEZ, J., RUIZ, M., LOPEZ-REBOLLAL, O., LORENZINI, E. C., and COSMO, M. L. “A Two Bar Model for the Dynamics and Stability of Electrodynamic Tethers,” paper AAS 00-188 presented at the AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Clearwater, Florida, January 2000.
DOBROWOLNY, M. “Electrodynamic Tether Stability: Linear Theory,” Il Nuovo Cimento, 25C, 2002, pp. 369–391.
SCHOTT, L. “Electrical Probes” in Plasma Diagnostics edited by W. Lochte-Holtgreven, North Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1968, pp. 668–725.
DOBROWOLNY, M. “Long Term Stability of Electrodynamic Tethers,” Proceedings of Space Technology and Applications International Forum (STAIF-2001), edited by M. El-Genk, AIP Conference Proceedings 552, American Institute of Physics, New York, 2001, pp. 554–569.
SAN MARTIN, J. R., ESTES, R. D., LORENZINI, E. C. “Efficiency in Different Types of ED-Tether Thrusters,” Proceedings of Space Technology and Applications International Forum (STAIF-2001), edited by M. El-Genk, AIP Conference Proceedings 552, American Institute of Physics, New York, 2001, pp. 479–487.
JOHNSON, L. and HERMANN, M. “International Space Station Electrodynamic Tether Reboost Study,” NASA/TM-1988-208538, July 1998.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dobrowolny, M. Lateral Oscillations of an Electrodynamic Tether. J of Astronaut Sci 50, 125–147 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546259
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546259