Dynamical analysis of an orbiting three-rigid-body system

Daniele Pagnozzi, James Biggs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

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Abstract

The development of multi-joint-spacecraft mission concepts calls for a deeper understanding of their nonlinear dynamics to inform and enhance system design. This paper presents a study of a three-finite-shape rigid-body system under the action of an ideal central gravitational field. The aim of this paper is to gain an insight into the natural dynamics of this system. The Hamiltonian dynamics is derived and used to identify relative attitude equilibria of the system with respect to the orbital reference frame. Then a numerical investigation of the behaviour far from the equilibria is provided using tools from modern dynamical systems theory such as energy methods, phase portraits and Poincare maps. Results reveal a complex structure of the dynamics as well as the existence of connections between some of the equilibria. Stable equilibrium configurations appear to be surrounded by very narrow regions of regular and quasi-regular motions. Trajectories evolve on chaotic motions in the rest of the domain.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 10th International Conference on Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Aerospace and Sciences (ICNPAA 14)
Pages786-795
Number of pages10
Volume1637
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Dec 2014
Event10th International Conference on Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Aerospace and Sciences, ICNPAA - Narvik, Norway
Duration: 15 Jul 201418 Jul 2014

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics
Volume1637
ISSN (Print)0094-243X

Conference

Conference10th International Conference on Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Aerospace and Sciences, ICNPAA
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityNarvik
Period15/07/1418/07/14

Keywords

  • space multi-body system
  • rigid body dynamics
  • Hamiltonian mechanics
  • nonlinear systems analysis
  • Poincare map

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