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Dynamic analysis of a tethered satellite system for space debris capture

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Abstract

Herein we analyze the dynamic behavior of a tethered satellite system for space debris capture, considering the large deformation of a tether. The tethered satellite system is modeled as two point masses and a string, and the equations of motion of the tethered satellite system are derived by using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation. To calculate the net velocity after debris capture, equations are established describing the momentum exchange between the net and the space debris. By using this model, the dynamic responses of the tethered satellite system after debris capture are calculated for the variations of the capture angles and capture velocities of the debris. This allows analysis of the orbital response of the tethered satellite system and the large tensions arising from tether tumbling. Finally, we analyze the effects of varying system parameters of the tethered satellite system and the space debris upon the dynamic responses.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a Grant from the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by the Korean government (MEST) (NRF-2018R1D1A1B07050187).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Republic of Korea

    Jonghyuk Lim & Jintai Chung

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  1. Jonghyuk Lim
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  2. Jintai Chung
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Correspondence to Jintai Chung.

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Jonghyuk Lim and Jintai Chung declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Lim, J., Chung, J. Dynamic analysis of a tethered satellite system for space debris capture. Nonlinear Dyn 94, 2391–2408 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11071-018-4498-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11071-018-4498-1

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