A b str actNon-contacting interactions between pennanent magnets and superconductors known as "flux pinning" provide a novel way to fix many modular space systems in desired relative positions and orientations. from space stations to close-proximity fonnations. When cooled appropriately, these flux-pin ned interfaces require no power or active control and very lillie mass but provide very high mechanical stiffness (>200 N/m for a few hundred grams of material) and damping (2% of critical) between modules, making the technology ideal for in-orbit assembly applications. We describe new measurements and simulations 10 characterize these values for spacecraft applications. Flux-pinned interfaces have so far achieved inter-module separations in the 8-10 em range with -100 g of mass on each module, with the prospect of larger separations. We also discuss several means to actuate the noncontacting couplers, which is a first step toward the development of devices for the noncontacting manipulation and reconfiguration of modular space systems.
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Magnetic flux pinning is an interaction between strong magnets and certain superconductors that causes a damped, non-contacting equilibrium to form, connecting the flux-pinned objects. This interaction has been proposed for use in establishing a stable formation of spacecraft modules that is resistant to disturbances. Although flux pinning can exert forces in all six degrees of freedom, a flux-pinned interface can be designed to constrain only certain degrees of freedom so that it functions as a non-contacting kinematic joint. One such joint consists of a superconductor flux pinned to a cylindrical magnet and free to move around the magnet's axis of symmetry. Such an interface would serve as a revolute joint that allows two modular spacecraft to reconfigure. This paper explores the development of one such joint compatible with the CubeSat standard. We extend the functionality of the revolute joint by introducing electromagnets that create two stable equilibrium states in a system of two modules. The electromagnets also provide the means of reconfiguration between the two states, eliminating the need for reaction wheels, thrusters, or other conventional actuators for this maneuver. Finally, this paper discusses future testing for flux-pinned joints and ongoing work on an in-orbit demonstration. Nomenclature
Non-contacting interactions between permanent magnets and superconductors known as "flux pinning" provide a novel way to fix many modular space systems in desired relative positions and orientations, from space stations to close-proximity formations. When cooled appropriately, these flux-pinned interfaces require no power or active control and very little mass but provide very high mechanical stiffness (Ͼ200 N/m for a few hundred grams of material) and damping (2% of critical) between modules, making the technology ideal for in-orbit assembly applications. We describe new measurements and simulations to characterize these values for spacecraft applications. Flux-pinned interfaces have so far achieved inter-module separations in the 8-10 cm range with ϳ100 g of mass on each module, with the prospect of larger separations. We also discuss several means to actuate the noncontacting couplers, which is a first step toward the development of devices for the noncontacting manipulation and reconfiguration of modular space systems.
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