Active shape control of spinning membrane space structures and its application to solar sailing

Yuki Takao, Toshihiro Chujo, Osamu Mori, Kawaguchi Jun'ichiro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Spinning-type membrane space structures easily deform because they have no supporting structure. This may lead to an unexpected change in the effect of solar radiation pressure (SRP) on the membranes. Since SRP is a dominant factor of the dynamics of membrane space structures, especially for solar sails, knowledge of deformation is vital. However, it is almost impossible to precisely predict and design the actual deformation of membranes. This study provides a method to actively control the deformation of spinning membrane space structures. A completely fuel-free solar sailing technique is also shown as one application of the shape-control method developed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)119-131
Number of pages13
JournalTransactions of the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences
Volume61
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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