3d-printed, electrically conductive structures for magnetic attitude control

Robb, B., McRobb, M. , Bailet, G. and McInnes, C. (2022) 3d-printed, electrically conductive structures for magnetic attitude control. Acta Astronautica, 200, pp. 448-461. (doi: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.08.006)

Abstract

The use of embedded current loops for the attitude control of large, flexible spacecraft is investigated. Length-scaling laws are derived by determining what fraction of a planar spacecraft’s mass would need to be allocated to the conductive current loops in order to produce a torque at least as large as the gravity gradient torque. Simulations are then performed of a flexible truss structure, modelled as a spring-mass system, for a range of structural flexibilities and a variety of current loop geometries. Simulations demonstrate rotation of the structure via the electromagnetic force on the current carrying elements, and are also used to characterise the structural deformations caused by the various current loop geometries. An attitude control simulation is performed, demonstrating a 90◦ slew manoeuvre of a 250 × 250 m flexible structure through the use of three orthogonal sets of current loops embedded within the spacecraft.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: BAILET, Dr Rer Nat Gilles and McRobb, Dr Malcolm and McInnes, Professor Colin and Robb, Bonar
• Authors: Robb, B., McRobb, M., Bailet, G., and McInnes, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Acta Astronautica
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0094-5765
• ISSN (Online): 1879-2030
• Published Online: 19 August 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Acta Astronautica 200: 448-461
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
306654		Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies	Colin McInnes	Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE)	02/08/2019	ENG - Systems Power & Energy
172105		Ultra-low energy trajectories for near Earth asteroid capture and return	Colin McInnes	The Royal Society (ROYSOC)	WM150013	ENG - Systems Power & Energy