Large Multi-Hinged Space Systems: a Parametric Stability Analysis

The paper presents the parametric stability analysis of a set of equilibrium con1gurations with respect to an orbiting reference frame for a three-hinged space system. Both the orbital and the attitude motions have been thought to be planar. As the system is assumed to be extended, the gravity gradient e4ects have been taken into account. The analysis is done with respect to the system inertial and geometry properties and their thresholds are highlighted to de1ne the stability zones for each visited con1guration. A Lagrangian approach has been chosen to set the dynamic equations, as it would be useful for future numerical simulations. A particular physic system is presented made of three masses, two of them represented by a dot-model and one maintained extended; consecutive masses are linked through massless booms. A dynamic equation linearization has been done around each equilibrium con1guration, and the correspondent eigenvalue functions have been studied with respect to the selected parameter set, according to the stability conditions. The stability analysis results for the detected equilibrium con1gurations are presented in detail.