Optimization of a Nutation Damper Attached to a Spin-Stabilized Satellite

Author

Brady P. Hauboldt

Date of Award

12-1994

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Abstract

This study uses linearized equations of motion for a rigid body with an attached spring-mass-damper to maximize the decay rate of a satellite's coning motion. An analysis of the numerical eigenvalues is presented which leads to an optimal relationship between relevant parameters: damper placement, spring constant, damping coefficient, system moments of inertia, and damper mass fraction. The coupled system's eigenvalues do not provide truly critical damping, thus the real eigenvalue parts are minimized in order to achieve damping which requires the minimum amount of time. A comparison between this optimal design method and a classical method concludes a noticeable improvement in damping performance for optimized systems.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSO-ENY-94D-2

DTIC Accession Number

ADA289424

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

Recommended Citation

Hauboldt, Brady P., "Optimization of a Nutation Damper Attached to a Spin-Stabilized Satellite" (1994). Theses and Dissertations. 6475.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/6475