A symplectic Runge-Kutta method for the analysis of the tethered satellite system

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamic vibrations of the tethered satellite system (TSS). Design/methodology/approach The energy principle and the variational approach are used to establish the dynamic equations of the TSS. By introducing new generalized coordinates, the equations are transformed into the Hamiltonian system. Then, the symplectic Runge-Kutta (SRK) method is used to solve the canonical equations. Findings The influence of the tether length on the dynamic behavior of the TSS is very important. Originality/value The dynamic responses of the TSS are obtained by using the SRK method.