Simulating the Intermediate Axis Theorem using Matlab and Autodesk Fusion 360

Paper number

IAC-19,A2,3,9,x50531

Author

Mr. Nathan Bane, United States

Coauthor

Mr. Ayobami Ogunmolasuyi, United States, University of Maryland

Coauthor

Mr. Justin Derickson, United States

Coauthor

Dr. Kausiksankar Das, United States, University of Maryland

Coauthor

Dr. Aaron Persad, United States, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Year

2019

Abstract

The natural spin states of an object in freefall is of tremendous relevance to several areas of space sciences and technology. Whether the object is an irregular, massive asteroid, or a well-defined artificial communications satellite, each object will have inherent moment of inertia and tendencies to spin. Some of those spin states may be stable and others may be unstable. The stability of the spin states is descibed by the Intermediate Axis Theorem (IAT).

Here we describe the development of a useful tool specifically tailored to predict spin states of an object using the IAT. By specifying the geometry and mass distribution of the object, the tool applies the IAT and Langrangian equations of motion to determine how the object will spin. We demosntrate the application of the tool using several objects and compare our predictions against experimental data gathered on the International Space Station (ISS). Interestingly, our tool provides deeper insight into the ISS experiments: we can predict the critical conditions under which a transition from stable to unstable rotation and could be useful for the future design of novel IAT experiments or be exploited for spacecraft designs.

Abstract document

IAC-19,A2,3,9,x50531.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,A2,3,9,x50531.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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