Mechanics modeling of spacecraft cable considering spatial constraints

In order to overcome the drawbacks of discrete model and adapt to the complex spatial constraints in spacecraft, a mechanics modeling method of spacecraft cable considering spatial constraints was proposed based on the assumption of continuous thin elastic rod. A continuous mechanics model of the cable was established. The spatial position and attitude of the cable were described by inertial coordinate system and local coordinate system. And then, a static equilibrium equation of the cable considering deadweight and spatial constraints was deduced. Typical conditions of space constraints in the routing process were analyzed. Furthermore, mechanics models of the cable with none constraint, endpoint constraint, contact surface constraint and clamp constraint were established, and they were solved and analyzed using numerical method. The regularities of forces of the cable with none constraint, contact surface constraint and clamp constraint were obtained. The results show that mechanical properties of the cable can be improved effectively by combining the clamp constraint and contact surface constraint reasonably in the routing process. The universality and feasibility of the model were verified. The conclusions have important academic value and engineering significance to the mechanics modeling of the flexible cable and routing process.