On the Libration of a Gravity Gradient Stabilized Spacecraft in an Eccentric Orbit

Download or read book On the Libration of a Gravity Gradient Stabilized Spacecraft in an Eccentric Orbit written by Albert J. Fleig (Jr.) and published by . This book was released on 1970 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: General analytical methods for predicting planar and three dimensional attitude motion of a gravity gradient spacecraft in an elliptical orbit are developed. Regions of stability from the linearized planar equation of Mathieu form are plotted versus inertia parameters and orbit eccentricity. Similar plots showing the effects of damping are presented. The planar equation for larger eccentricities is examined with asymptotic expansion methods (KBM) for increased accuracy. An analysis based on the Hamiltonian and using canonical transformations and the method of averaging is applied to the three degree of freedom equations. Thirty-two combinations of resonant eigenfrequencies, indicating both nonlinear and parametric resonances, and including six previously shown by Breakwell and Pringle, are found. Nineteen of these combinations lead to unbounded increases in the amplitude of oscillation of one or more of the spacecraft modes. Eight lead to significant interchanges of energy between modes. The remaining five have little effect.