Stability of a Tethered Satellite Formation about the Likins-Pringle Equilibria

Author

Ayhan Tuncay

Date of Award

3-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Steve G. Tragesser, PhD

Abstract

The development of lightweight, large-aperture optics is of vital importance to the Department of Defense and the US Air Force for improving remote sensing capabilities. One way of constructing a large space structure is to use digitized, inflatable beams. This research presents the experimental vibration analysis of the ground testing for inflatable beams that will be used in an AFIT Space Shuttle rigidized inflatable beams experiment. The natural frequencies, damping ratios, and bending modes were identified for the beams. Various parameters were modified to determine what affects the vibration characteristics of the beams. The test results were compared to an Euler-Bernouli beam model using a its approximation.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSO-ENY-02-4

DTIC Accession Number

ADA401589

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