Investigation of Perturbations Arising from Temperature Shock with a Symmetrical Arrangement of Flexible Elements of a Small Spacecraft

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of a temperature shock on a small spacecraft with symmetrically arranged flexible elements. A two-dimensional thermoelasticity problem is posed. The disturbing effect of temperature shock on a small spacecraft has been determined. The assessment of the main disturbing factors arising from the temperature shock of flexible elements of a small spacecraft was carried out. Approximate dependences were obtained for the components of the displacement vector of the flexible element points. Numerical simulation was carried out for the symmetric scheme of the small spacecraft with two and four flexible elements. The dependence of the inertia force on temperature shock for the simulated small spacecraft at various initial deflections of the flexible element was constructed. Conclusions were drawn about the significance of the temperature shock influence on the dynamics of a small spacecraft. The results obtained were compared with the results of other studies and can be used in solving problems of remote sensing of the Earth and the implementation of gravity-sensitive processes on board small spacecraft.