Quasi-periodic orbits of small solar sails with time-varying attitude around Earth–Moon libration points

This paper proposes new quasi-periodic orbits around Earth–Moon collinear libration points using solar sails.By including the time-varying sail orientation in the linearized equations of motion for the circular restricted three-body problem(CR3BP),four types of quasi-periodic orbits(two types around L1 and two types around L2)were formulated.Among them,one type of orbit around L2 realizes a considerably small geometry variation while ensuring visibility from the Earth if(and only if)the sail acceleration due to solar radiation pressure is approximately of a certain magnitude,which is much smaller than that assumed in several previous studies.This means that only small solar sails can remain in the vicinity of L2 for a long time without propellant consumption.The orbits designed in the linearized CR3BP can be translated into nonlinear CR3BP and high-fidelity ephemeris models without losing geometrical characteristics.In this study,new quasi-periodic orbits are formulated,and their characteristics are discussed.Furthermore,their extendibility to higher-fidelity dynamic models was verified using numerical examples.

Leveraging quasi-periodic orbits for trajectory design in cislunar space

Incorporating quasi-periodic orbits into the preliminary design process offers a wide range of options to meet mission constraints and address the challenges in a complex trade space.In this investigation,linear stability and quasi-periodic orbit family continuation schemes are examined to meet various types of constraints.Applications in eclipse avoidance and transfer design are examined by leveraging quasi-periodic orbits and their associated hyperbolic manifolds in the lunar region.Solutions are transitioned to an ephemeris model to validate that geometries are maintained in higher-fidelity models.When the natural dynamical structures associated with quasi-periodic orbits are leveraged,novel trajectory solutions can emerge.

Autonomous navigation to quasi-periodic orbits near translunar libration points

Libration-point missions have been very useful and successful. Due to the unstable natures of most of these orbits, the long-time stationkeeping demands frequent maneuvers and precise orbit determinations. Earth-based tracking will have to undertake much more responsibilities with the increasing number of libration missions. An autonomous navigation system could offer a better way to decrease the need for Earth-based tracking. Nevertheless, when an autonomous navigation system is applied, there are three important factors affecting autonomous navigation accuracy, i.e., the accuracy of initial conditions, the accuracy of measurements, and the accuracy of onboard dynamics for propagation. This paper focuses on analyzing the influence from the third factor and finding an appropriate navigation dynamics, which can satisfy the requirement of estimation accuracy but not cause too much burden for onboard computation. When considering the restricted three-body model and the bicircular restricted four-body model as navigation dynamics, the astrin- gency is not shown during the simulations. Meanwhile, when considering the influences of the Sun＇s direct and indirect perturbations and the eccentricity of the Moon＇s orbit, a new navigation dynamic model with the standard ephemerides is proposed. The simulation shows the feasibility of the proposed model.

Research on the flow stability and noise reduction characteristics of quasi-periodic elastic support skin

To enhance flow stability and reduce hydrodynamic noise caused by fluctuating pressure,a quasiperiodic elastic support skin composed of flexible walls and elastic support elements is proposed for fluid noise reduction.The arrangement of the elastic support element is determined by the equivalent periodic distance and quasi-periodic coefficient.In this paper,a dynamic model of skin in a fluid environment is established.The influence of equivalent periodic distance and quasi-periodic coefficient on flow stability is investigated.The results suggest that arranging the elastic support elements in accordance with the quasi-periodic law can effectively enhance flow stability.Meanwhile,the hydrodynamic noise calculation results demonstrate that the skin exhibits excellent noise reduction performance,with reductions of 10 dB in the streamwise direction,11 dB in the spanwise direction,and 10 dB in the normal direction.The results also demonstrate that the stability analysis method can serve as a diagnostic tool for flow fields and guide the design of noise reduction structures.

The super-connectivity of graphs with two orbits

A graph G is said to be super-connected or simply super-κ, if each minimum vertex cut of G isolates a vertex. A graph G is said to be a k-vertex-orbit graph if there are k vertex orbits when Aut(G) acts on V(G). A graph G is said to be a k-edge-orbit graph if there are k edge orbits when Aut(G) acts on edge set E(G). In this paper, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for connected bipartite 2-vertex-orbit graphs to be super-κ. For 2-edge-orbit graphs,we give a sufficient condition for connected 2-edge-orbit graphs to be super-κ. In addition, we show that if G is a k-regular connected irreducible Ⅱ-kind 2-edge-orbit graph with k ≤ 6 and girth g(G) ≥ 6, or G is a k-regular connected irreducible Ⅲ-kind 2-edge-orbit graph with k ≤ 6and girth g(G) ≥ 8, then G is super-connected.

Optimal quasi-periodic maintenance policies for two-unit series system

To investigate the effects of various random factors on the preventive maintenance （PM） decision-making of one type of two-unit series system, an optimal quasi-periodic PM policy is introduced. Assume that PM is perfect for unit 1 and only mechanical service for unit 2 in the model. PM activity is randomly performed according to a dynamic PM plan distributed in each implementation period. A replacement is determined based on the competing results of unplanned and planned replacements. The unplanned replacement is trigged by a catastrophic failure of unit 2, and the planned replacement is executed when the PM number reaches the threshold N. Through modeling and analysis, a solution algorithm for an optimal implementation period and the PM number is given, and optimal process and parametric sensitivity are provided by a numerical example. Results show that the implementation period should be decreased as soon as possible under the condition of meeting the needs of practice, which can increase mean operating time and decrease the long-run cost rate.

On reducibility of a class of nonlinear quasi-periodic systems with small perturbational parameters near equilibrium

Consider the reducibility of a class of nonlinear quasi-periodic systems with multiple eigenvalues under perturbational hypothesis in the neighborhood of equilibrium. That is, consider the following system x = （A ＋ εQ（ t） ）x ＋ eg（t） ＋ h（x, t）, where A is a constant matrix with multiple eigenvalues; h = O（x2） （x-4）） ; and h（x, t）, Q（t）, and g（t） are analytic quasi-periodic with respect to t with the same frequencies. Under suitable hypotheses of non-resonance conditions and non-degeneracy conditions, for most sufficiently small ε, the system can be reducible to a nonlinear quasi-periodic system with an equilibrium point by means of a quasi-periodic transformation.

Singular Points, Closed Orbits, Stable Manifolds and Unstable Manifolds of Second Order Autonomous Birkhoff Systems

Aim To study singular points, closed orbits, stable manifolds and unstable manifolds of a second order autonomous Birkhoff system. Methods Qualitative methods of ordinary differential equation were used. Results and Conclusion The criteria for singular points, closed orbits and hyperbolic equilibrium points of a second order autonomous Birkhoff system are given. Moreover the stability of equilibria, stable manifolds and unstable manifolds are obtained.

A station-keeping strategy for collinear libration point orbits

Spacecrafts in periodic or quasi-periodic orbits near the collinear libration points are proved to be excellent platforms for scientific investigations of various phenomena.Since such periodic or quasi-periodic orbits are exponentially unstable,the station-keeping maneuver is needed. A station-keeping strategy which is found by an analytical method is presented to eradicate the dominant unstable component of the libration point trajectories.The inhibit force transforms the unstable component to a stable component.In this method,it is not necessary to determine a nominal orbit as a reference path.

PERSISTENCE AND PERIODIC ORBITS FOR TWO-SPECIES NON-AUTONOMOUS DIFFUSION LOTKA-VOLTERRA MODELS

A non-autonomous competing system is investigated in this paper,where the species x can diffuse between two patches of a heterogeneous environment with barriers between patches,but for species y,the diffusion does not involve a barrier between patches,further it is assumed that all the parameters are time dependent.It is shown that the system can be made persistent under some appropriate conditions.Moreover,sufficient conditions that guarantee the existence of a unique positive periodic orbit which is globally asymptotic stable are derived.

J_2 invariant relative orbits via differential correction algorithm

This paper describes a practical method for finding the invariant orbits in Ja relative dynamics. Working with the Hamiltonian model of the relative motion including the J2 perturbation, the effective differential correction algorithm for finding periodic orbits in three-body problem is extended to formation flying of Earth＇s orbiters. Rather than using orbital elements, the analysis is done directly in physical space, which makes a direct connection with physical requirements. The asymptotic behavior of the invariant orbit is indicated by its stable and unstable manifolds. The period of the relative orbits is proved numerically to be slightly different from the ascending node period of the leader satellite, and a preliminary explanation for this phenomenon is presented. Then the compatibility between J2 invariant orbit and desired relative geometry is considered, and the design procedure for the initial values of the compatible configuration is proposed. The influences of measure errors on the invariant orbit are also investigated by the Monte-Carlo simulation.

An ergodic algorithm for long-term coverage of elliptical orbits

This paper deals with the coverage analysis problem of elliptical orbits. An algorithm based on ergodic theory, for long-term coverage of elliptical orbits, is proposed. The differential form of the invariant measure is constructed via the perturbation on mean orbital elements resulted from the J2 term of non-spherical shape of the earth. A rigorous proof for this is then given. Different from the case of circular orbits, here the flow and its space of the dynamical system are defined on a physical space, and the real-value function is defined as the characteristic function on station mask. Therefore, the long-term coverage is reduced to a double integral via Birkhoff-Khinchin theorem. The numerical implementation indicates that the ergodic algorithm developed is available for a wide range of eccentricities.

HOMOCLINIC ORBITS OF THE DAVEY- STEWARTSON EQUATIONS

The homoclinic solutions problem of the Davey-Stewartson ( DS) Equations were studied. By using the Hirota's bilinear method, the homoclinic orbits of the Davey-Stewartson Equations were obtained through the dependent variable transformation. The homoclinic orbits of the Davey-Stewartson Equations were discussed.

A method for classifying orbits near asteroids

A method for classifying orbits near asteroids under a polyhedral gravitational field is presented, and may serve as a valuable reference for spacecraft orbit design for asteroid exploration. The orbital dynamics near aster- oids are very complex. According to the variation in orbit characteristics after being affected by gravitational perturbation during the periapsis passage, orbits near an as- teroid can be classified into 9 categories： （1） surrounding- to-surrounding, （2） surrounding-to-surface, （3） surrounding- to-infinity, （4） infinity-to-infinity, （5） infinity-to-surface, （6） infinity-to-surrounding, （7） surface-to-surface, （8） surface- to-surrounding, and （9） surface-to- infinity. Assume that the orbital elements are constant near the periapsis, the gravitation potential is expanded into a harmonic series. Then, the influence of the gravitational perturbation on the orbit is studied analytically. The styles of orbits are dependent on the argument of periapsis, the periapsis radius, and the periapsis velocity. Given the argument of periapsis, the orbital energy before and after perturbation can be derived according to the periapsis radius and the periapsis velocity. Simulations have been performed for orbits in the gravitational field of 216 Kleopatra. The numerical results are well consistent with analytic predictions.

Effect of normalized plasma frequency on electron phase-space orbits in a free-electron laser

Irregular phase-space orbits of the electrons are harmful to the electron-beam transport quality and hence deteriorate the performance of a free-electron laser （FEL）. In previous literature, it was demonstrated that the irregularity of the electron phase-space orbits could be caused in several ways, such as varying the wiggler amplitude and inducing sidebands. Based on a Hamiltonian model with a set of self-consistent differential equations, it is shown in this paper that the electron- beam normalized plasma frequency functions not only couple the electron motion with the FEL wave, which results in the evolution of the FEL wave field and a possible power saturation at a large beam current, but also cause the irregularity of the electron phase-space orbits when the normalized plasma frequency has a sufficiently large value, even if the initial energy of the electron is equal to the synchronous energy or the FEL wave does not reach power saturation.

A review of periodic orbits in the circular restricted three-body problem

This review article aims to give a comprehensive review of periodic orbits in the circular restricted three-body problem(CRTBP),which is a standard ideal model for the Earth-Moon system and is closest to the practical mechanical model.It focuses the attention on periodic orbits in the Earth-Moon system.This work is primarily motivated by a series of missions and plans that take advantages of the three-body periodic orbits near the libration points or around two gravitational celestial bodies.Firstly,simple periodic orbits and their classification that is usually considered to be early work before 1970 are summarized,and periodic orbits around Lagrange points,either planar or three-dimensional,are intensively studied during past decades.Subsequently,stability index of a periodic orbit and bifurcation analysis are presented,which demonstrate a guideline to find more periodic orbits inspired by bifurcation signals.Then,the practical techniques for computing a wide range of periodic orbits and associated quasi-periodic orbits,as well as constructing database of periodic orbits by numerical searching techniques are also presented.For those unstable periodic orbits,the station keeping maneuvers are reviewed.Finally,the applications of periodic orbits are presented,including those in practical missions,under consideration,and still in conceptual design stage.This review article has the function of bridging between engineers and researchers,so as to make it more convenient and faster for engineers to understand the complex restricted three-body problem(RTBP).At the same time,it can also provide some technical thinking for general researchers.

HOMOCLINIC ORBITS FOR A CLASS OF THE SECOND ORDER HAMILTONIAN SYSTEMS

The existence of homoclinic orbits is obtained by the variational approach for a class of second order Hamiltonian systems q（t） ＋ ↓△V（t, q（t）） = 0, where V（t, x） = -K（t, x） ＋ W（t, x）, K（t, x） is neither a quadratic form in x nor periodic in t and W（t, x） is superquadratic in x.

Noise destroys the coexistence of periodic orbits of a piecewise linear map

The effects of Gaussian white noise and Gaussian colored noise on the periodic orbits of period-5（P-5） and period-6（P-6） in their coexisting domain of a piecewise linear map are investigated numerically.The probability densities of some orbits are calculated.When the noise intensity is D = 0.0001,only the orbits of P-5 exist,and the coexisting phenomenon is destroyed.On the other hand,the self-correlation time τ of the colored noise also affects the coexisting phenomenon.When τc〈τ〈τc,only the orbits of P-5 appear,and the stability of the orbits of P-5 is enhanced.However,when τ〉τc（τc and τc are critical values）,only the orbits of P-6 exist,and the stability of the P-6 orbits is enhanced greatly.When τ〈τc,the orbits of P-5 and P-6 coexist,but the stability of the P-5 orbits is enhanced and that of P-6 is weakened with τ increasing.

Periodic Orbits in Rotating Second Degree and Order Gravity Fields

Periodic orbits in an arbitrary 2nd degree and order uniformly rotating gravity field are studied. We investigate the four equilibrium points in this gravity field. We see that close relation exists between the stability of these equilibria and the existence and stability of their nearby periodic orbits. We check the periodic orbits with non-zero periods. In our searching procedure for these periodic orbits, we remove the two unity eigenvalues from the state transition matrix to find a robust, non-singular linear map to solve for the periodic orbits. The algorithm converges well, especially for stable periodic orbits. Using the searching procedure, which is relatively automatic, we find five basic families of periodic orbits in the rotating second degree and order gravity field for planar motion, and discuss their existence and stability at different central body rotation rates.

POSITIVE HOMOCLINIC ORBITS FOR A CLASS OF ASYMPTOTICALLY PERIODIC SECOND ORDER DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

This note studies the existence of positive homoclinic orbits of the second order equation-u″+α(x)u=β(x)u q+γ(x)u p, x∈R,where 1<q<p.Assume that the coefficient functions α(x),β(x) and γ(x) are asymptotically periodic and satisfy0<a≤α(x), 0<γ(x)≤B, -M≤β(x)≤M.A positive homoclinic orbit of the equation is obtained by means of variational methods.