Dynamics modeling and simulation of self-collision of tether-net for space debris removal

Abstract

Tether-net is a new active removal technology for space debris, and its deployment and capture have attracted considerable attention. This study focuses on the dynamics and simulation of self-collision of tether-net. First, the mass-spring-damper method is used to model tether-net and a line–line self-collision detection algorithm is proposed according to the geometric characteristics of tether-net. Thereafter, combined with the nonlinear collision model, the self-collision process of tether-net is studied. Two simulations of the close-up of a net with or without a target are executed to show the difference between considering and not considering the self-collision of tether-net. Results reveal that the capture process of tether-net with consideration for self-collision is different from the one without self-collision, especially after the corners of the net begin to contact each other.