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Dynamic Analysis of Space Elevator System after Tether Breakage

  • Feng Zhang*
  • , Shiru Zhou
  • , Xiaowei Wang
  • , Ruiming Wang
  • , Changzhu Wei
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
  • School of Astronautics, Harbin Institute of Technology

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper analyzes the dynamic behavior of a space elevator system after tether breakage. To this end, a discrete flexible dynamic model for the tether of a space elevator system is firstly formulated by discretizing it into a series of lumped mass points, where the dynamics of any two adjacent mass links are described by a parallel mass-spring-damp model to capture the flexibility and viscoelasticity of tape-type tethers. The impact from various environmental perturbations in space (including sun/earth gravitational perturbations and sun light pressure) and endoatmospheric wind disturbance are also considered, resulting in a non-uniform distribution of mass links along the tether to ensure a low computational complexity. Based on this dynamic model, different cases with a group of altitude points that tether breakage occurs are investigated via numerical simulations to study the broken tether motion. Finally, the impacts from environmental perturbations and breakage altitudes are discussed as well.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication19th IAA Symposium on Visions and Strategies 2021 - Held at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021
PublisherInternational Astronautical Federation, IAF
ISBN (Electronic)9781713843146
StatePublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes
Event19th IAA Symposium on Visions and Strategies 2021 at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Duration: 25 Oct 202129 Oct 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
VolumeD4
ISSN (Print)0074-1795

Conference

Conference19th IAA Symposium on Visions and Strategies 2021 at the 72nd International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityDubai
Period25/10/2129/10/21

Keywords

  • Dynamic analysis
  • Space elevator
  • Tether breakage

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