Dynamic analysis and driving parameters study of bidirectional solar array system with multiple clearance joints

Abstract

Torsion springs are commonly used as drive devices in spacecraft solar array systems. In this study, a multibody dynamic model of a spatial bidirectional solar array with multiple clearance joints is established to investigate the dynamic characteristics of a variable topology solar array system. A multistage solving strategy is proposed to ensure the multiple deployment processes of the system. The influences of the driving parameters on the dynamic behaviours, collision characteristics and spacecraft attitude of the system are thoroughly revealed. The effects of clearances on the vibration and stability of the solar array are also analysed. Latch time, peak angular velocity and stabilization period are proposed as key metrics to analyse the system dynamic characteristics. The results demonstrate that increasing the driving parameters reduces the latch times and increases peak angular velocities. Based on the stabilization period trends, the driving parameters are classified into stable and unstable regions. In stable regions, larger driving parameters accelerate vibration attenuation and reduces the nonlinearity and chaos of the system, thus facilitating quicker suppression of the contact forces. Moreover, clearances exacerbate angular velocity oscillations and lead to faster vibration attenuations of the solar panels. For the spacecraft attitude, larger driving parameters induce earlier shifts in the roll and pitch channels and significantly increase the yaw angle.