Dynamics of electro-dynamic tether de-orbiting system for LEO satellites

Abstract

This paper presents a flexible cable model considering that tether is easy to inflect can be used for analyzing the dynamic behavior of the electro-dynamic tether (EDT) de-orbiting system. The model can describe tether inflecting and bowing under action of electro-dynamic drag and gravity gradient induced force, and the influences on electro motive force and electro-dynamic drag. Two mathematical simulations are employed to show the differences between the flexible cable model and the rigid bar model. Vibration of the EDT system during de-orbiting course is discussed, at which the simulation result shows vertical response is the main vibration way of EDT.