Evaluation of E-sail parameters on central spacecraft attitude stability using a high-fidelity rigid–flexible coupling model

This study examines the impact of electric solar wind sail(E-sail)parameters on the attitude stability of E-sail’s central spacecraft by using a comprehensive rigid–flexible coupling dynamic model.In this model,the nodal position finite element method is used to model the elastic deformation of the tethers through interconnected two-node tensile elements.The attitude dynamics of the central spacecraft is described using a natural coordinate formulation.The rigid–flexible coupling between the central spacecraft and its flexible tethers is established using Lagrange multipliers.Our research reveals the significant influences of parameters such as tether numbers,tether’s electric potential,and solar wind velocity on attitude stability.Specifically,solar wind fluctuations and the distribution of electric potential on the main tethers considerably affect the attitude stability of the spacecraft.For consistent management,the angular velocities of the spacecraft must remain at target values.Moreover,the attitude stability of a spacecraft has a pronounced dependence on the geometrical configuration of the E-sail,with axisymmetric E-sails proving to be more stable.

Equilibrium state of axially symmetric electric solar wind sail at arbitrary sail angles

This paper studies the equilibrium state and trajectory dynamics of an axially symmetric Electric solar wind sail(E-sail)at arbitrary sail angles.The E-sail is assumed operating in a heliocentric-ecliptic orbit at approximately one astronomic unit(au)from the Sun,and experiencing various dynamic disturbances like solar wind pressure,tether tension oscillations,and centrifugal forces.The study derives analytical expressions for the E-sail's equilibrium state and its maximal coning angle under small coning angle assumption.Subsequently,an improved propulsion model is developed for the E-sail in this equilibrium state.To assess the precision of these formulations,a high-fidelity E-sail dynamic model is constructed using the nodal position finite element method,where the tethers are modeled as two-noded tensile elements and the central spacecraft and remote units are simplified as lumped masses.Through thorough parametric analyses,this paper conclusively demonstrates that the operation of the E-sail at the equilibrium state can be achieved in accordance with the derived analytical prediction of the equilibrium state.Furthermore,the improved propulsion model is employed in trajectory analyses for a mission to reach the solar system's boundary.The study provides valuable insights and findings and foundation for the practical application and further advancement of the E-sail technology.