Analysis of Dynamic Stresses in the Elastic Nets for Space Debris Capture

Abstract

This paper explores the feasibility of using elastic nets for active capture of space debris. We present a systematic analysis of the strains and stresses in the ejected flying nets during various cases of impact with spacecraft models. The main objective of the paper is development of the method of interaction between the edged spacecraft structures and elastic nets. A finite element method featuring numerical simulation capabilities is utilized to simulate the elastic nets. This enables the modeling of various stages of interaction between the satellite models and the capturing nets. These include a rigid body being wrapped by the net, sliding of the net along the edges, crawling of the net over the corners, and debris escaping from the “missing” corners of the net. This paper focuses on simulating successful captures; however, our simulations also include analysis of representative scenarios of unsuccessful attempted captures, where capturing targets were “bounced” by the nets and where targeted objects managed to “escape” or “fly through” the elastic nets (with cases, not involving rupture of the net segments) during high-speed impacts. Dynamic forces, strains, and stresses are analyzed for various geometrical nets and recommendations are formulated for the most efficient configurations.