Dynamic Analysis of the Inflatable Net System for Space Capture

Abstract

The net system supported by inflatable boom has special advantages in space capture of non-cooperative targets, which could adapt to different targets. As the result of the support of the inflatable boom, the system structure is more stable. In this paper, the dynamic model of the new inflatable net system based on absolute node coordinate method(ANCF) and collision model of flexible body based on Hertz theory are established, which are used for the simulation of capture of space targets. Simulation results show that: the closing force will increase with the increase of the equivalent stiffness of the inflatable boom. The stiffness of the inflatable boom can be reduced by degassing, with the result of the smaller closing force. The capture of target with initial angular velocity has more influence on the attitude of satellite than that of the stationary target, so a proper method for racemization should be adopted first. The collision force of capture process is not very large so that it is easy to finish the capture task. This research can provide a reference for the design and capture strategy of the inflatable net system.