A Flexible Passive Space Array with Springs (II)

Abstract

A passive space communicator in synchronous orbit will consist of small aluminum beads chained together and aligned vertically by the Earth’s gravity-gradient. The analysis for small deviations from vertical uses a continuous chain model, and pitch and roll frequencies and mode-shapes are described. Damping of the lowest-order, otherwise rigid and undamped, modes can be obtained by inserting springs between the end portions and the main portion of the chain. The roll damping depends on tuning the springs so that energy is transferred out of roll. The effect of detuning on roll damping time is investigated.