Vibration control of space solar power station in complex environments using giant magnetostrictive actuator

Abstract

In this study, a new method of using giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) to control the structural vibration of a space solar power station (SSPS) in orbit is proposed. The coupling dynamic model of SSPS, which is simplified into an Euler–Bernoulli beam with both free ends, is established in a Hamilton system. A GMA, which has a large strain coefficient, fast response, and strong stability, is coupled to the surface of an SSPS for vibration control. This work particularly considers the coupling effect of vibration–attitude and the complex space environments, such as sunlight pressure and thermal shock, to improve the computation accuracy. Simulation results indicate that GMA has excellent performance in the vibration control of space solar power station. Moreover, GMA can also suppress the attitude changes due to the coupling effect. This study contributes to the stable operation and attitude calibration of the space solar power station, and provides a new reference for the research of dynamics and control of large flexible spacecraft in complex environments.