Influence of joint clearance in reaction wheel on dynamic charecteristics of satellite

Reaction wheel has been identified as one of the main disturbance sources that affect the precision of attitude control system of spacecraft. The influence of the joint clearance in reaction wheel on the dynamic characteristics of satellite is essential to be considered for the establishment of an accurate reaction wheel disturbance model. Based on virtual prototype technique, the contact dynamics model for joint clearance was established using the nonlinear equivalent spring-damping model and the friction effect was considered by using the revised Coulomb friction model. The virtual prototype of the satellite considering the clearance was then constructed and the influence of the clearance on dynamic characteristics was analysed. The results provide a reference to the satellite system's design and are helpful to the development of control strategy.