Loads during Anchoring Dynamics from Earth Orbit
- Paper number
IAC-06-D4.2.07
- Author
Dr. Radu Rugescu, Politechnic University of Bucharest, Romania
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Numerical simulations of large tethered structures are performed that show their unusual behavior due to the intensely developing gravity gradients. The applications are investigated regarding deployment of long tethers for space elevator anchoring down from orbit and for tethered, non-powered landing operations on bodies without atmosphere also. Although computations show that optimal speed/positioning conditions relative to the landing surface are met, the sound anchoring is still subjected to hard limitations due to time, mass restrictions and high bound forces required. Due to natural positioning inaccuracies in the tethered system, the anchoring device must be accommodated on the tether low-end mass and no ground support equipment is likely to be used. Quasi-shock type of connecting reactions at anchoring are studied and found to be acceptably large. The time window for the maneuver remains very narrow yet and the solution consists of a multiple steps anchoring procedure, with the first contact retrieval crucial. The mechanics of large spaces (MLS) is adopted in anticipating the specific behavior of large-scale tethers for envisaged space elevators. The study refers to the problems of dynamics, anticipating that the technology based on carbon nano-tubes ribbons, long enough for such applications exists.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-D4.2.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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