Efficient, precise dynamic analysis for a complex spacecraft has become a research focus in the field of spacecraft dynamics. In this paper, by combining discrete time transfer matrix method of multibody system and finite element method, the transfer equations and transfer matrices of typical elements of spacecrafts are developed, and a high-efficient dynamic modeling method is developed for high-speed computation of spacecraft dynamics. Compared with ordinary dynamic methods, the proposed method does not need the global dynamic equations of system and has the low order of system matrix, high computational efficiency. This method has more advantages for dynamic modeling and real-time control of complex spacecrafts. Formulations of the proposed method as well as a numerical example of a spacecraft with a flexible solar panel are given to validate the method.

1.
Shabana
,
A. A.
, 1997, “
Flexible Multibody Dynamics: Review of Past and Recent Developments
,”
Multibody Syst. Dyn.
1384-5640,
1
(
2
), pp.
189
222
.
2.
Shabana
,
A. A.
, 2005,
Dynamics of Multibody Systems
,
Cambridge University Press
,
New York
, pp.
267
308
.
3.
Wasfy
,
T. M.
, and
Noor
,
A. K.
, 2003, “
Computational Strategies for Flexible Multibody System
,”
Appl. Mech. Rev.
0003-6900,
56
(
6
), pp.
553
613
.
4.
Kane
,
T. R.
,
Likine
,
P. W.
, and
Levinson
,
D. A.
, 1983,
Spacecraft Dynamics
,
McGraw-Hill
,
New York
, pp.
21
102
.
5.
Schiehlen
,
W.
, 2007, “
Research Trends in Multibody System Dynamics
,”
Multibody Syst. Dyn.
1384-5640,
18
(
1
), pp.
3
13
.
6.
Pestel
,
E. C.
, and
Leckie
,
F. A.
, 1963,
Matrix Method in Elastomechanics
,
McGraw-Hill
,
New York
, pp.
51
369
.
7.
Targoff
,
W. P.
, 1974, “
The Associated Matrices of Bending and Coupled Bending-Torsion Vibrations
,”
J. Aeronaut. Sci.
0095-9812,
14
, pp.
579
582
.
8.
Mead
,
D. J.
, 1971, “
Vibration Response and Wave Propagation in Periodic Structures
,”
ASME J. Eng. Mater. Technol.
0094-4289,
93
, pp.
783
792
.
9.
Bhutani
,
N.
, and
Loewy
,
R. G.
, 1999, “
Combined Finite Element-Transfer Matrix Method
,”
J. Sound Vib.
0022-460X,
226
(
5
), pp.
1048
1052
.
10.
Horner
,
G. C.
, and
Pilkey
,
W. D.
, 1978, “
The Riccati Transfer Matrix Method
,”
ASME J. Mech. Des.
0161-8458,
1
, pp.
297
302
.
11.
Kumar
,
A. S.
, and
Sankar
,
T. S.
, 1986, “
A New Transfer Matrix Method for Response Analysis of Large Dynamic Systems
,”
Comput. Struct.
0045-7949,
23
(
4
), pp.
545
552
.
12.
Rui
,
X. T.
,
Lu
,
Y. Q.
, and
Pan
,
L.
, 1999, “
Discrete Time Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody System Dynamics
,”
Proceedings of the EUROMECH Colloquium 404: Advances in Computational Multibody Dynamics
, Lisbon, Portugal,
J. C.
Ambrosio
and
W.
Schiehlen
, eds., pp.
93
108
.
13.
Rui
,
X. T.
,
He
,
B.
,
Lu
,
Y. Q.
,
Lu
,
W. G.
, and
Wang
,
G. P.
, 2005, “
Discrete Time Transfer Matrix Method for Multibody System Dynamics
,”
Multibody Syst. Dyn.
1384-5640,
14
(
3–4
), pp.
317
344
.
14.
Rui
,
X. T.
,
He
,
B.
,
Rong
,
B.
,
Wang
,
G. P.
, and
Lu
,
Y. Q.
, 2009, “
Discrete Time Transfer Matrix Method for Multi-Rigid-Flexible-Body System Moving in Plane
,”
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part K
, Journal of Multi-body Dynamics 1464-4193,
223
, pp.
23
42
.
15.
Rong
,
B.
,
Rui
,
X. T.
,
Wang
,
G. P.
, and
Yang
,
F. F.
, 2010, “
New Efficient Method for Dynamics Modeling and Simulation of Flexible Multibody Systems Moving in Plane
,”
Multibody Syst. Dyn.
1384-5640,
24
(
2
), pp.
181
200
.
16.
Rui
,
X. T.
,
Kreuzer
,
E.
,
Rong
,
B.
,
He
,
B.
,
Wang
,
G. P.
, and
Lu
,
Y. Q.
, “
Discrete Time Transfer Matrix Method for Dynamics of Multibody System With Flexible Beams Moving in Space
,”
Acta Mech. Sin.
0459-1879, in press.
17.
Rong
,
B.
,
Rui
,
X. T.
, and
Wang
,
G. P.
, 2010, “
New Method for Dynamics Modelling and Analysis on Flexible Plate Undergoing Large Overall Motion
,”
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part K
, Journal of Multi-body Dynamics 1464-4193,
224
, pp.
33
44
.
18.
Rong
,
B.
,
Rui
,
X. T.
,
Yang
,
F. F.
, and
Zhan
,
Z. H.
, 2009, “
Dynamics Modeling and Simulation for Controlled Flexible Manipulator
,”
J. Vibration Eng.
1004-4523,
22
(
2
), pp.
168
174
.
19.
Rong
,
B.
,
Rui
,
X. T.
,
Wang
,
G. P.
, and
Yang
,
F. F.
, 2010, “
Discrete Time Transfer Matrix Method for Dynamics of Multibody System With Real-Time Control
,”
J. Sound Vib.
0022-460X,
329
(
6
), pp.
627
643
.
20.
Jin
,
G. G.
, 2000, “
Study on Dynamics for Flexible Spacecraft With Large-Scale Deploying Mechanism
,” Ph.D. thesis, Tianjing University, Tianjing, China.
21.
Wang
,
Y.
, and
Wu
,
D. L.
, 1997, “
A Flexible Multibody Dynamical Model for Large Deploying Mechanisms of Space Station by Kane’s Method
,”
Journal of Astronautics
1000-1328,
18
(
4
), pp.
79
83
.
22.
Ambrósio
,
J. A. C.
, and
Gonçalves
,
J. P. C.
, 2001, “
Complex Flexible Multibody Systems With Application to Vehicle Dynamics
,”
Multibody Syst. Dyn.
1384-5640,
10
(
6
), pp.
168
182
.
23.
Gonçalves
,
J. P. C.
, 2002, “
Rigid and Flexible Multibody Systems Optimization for Vehicle Dynamics
,” Ph.D. thesis, Instituto Superior Técnico of the Technical University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
24.
Lu
,
Y. F.
, 1996,
Dynamics of Flexible Multibody Systems
,
Higher Education
,
Beijing, China
, pp.
362
434
.
25.
Xing
,
J. W.
, 2006,
Training Tutorial of MSC.ADAMS/Flex and AutoFlex
,
Science
,
Beijing, China
, pp.
24
31
.
26.
Bampton
,
M. C. C.
, and
Craig
,
R. R.
, 1968, “
Coupling of Substructures for Dynamics Analyses
,”
AIAA J.
0001-1452,
6
(
7
), pp.
1313
1319
.
27.
Yoo
,
W. S.
, and
Haug
,
E. J.
, 1986, “
Dynamics of Flexible Mechanical Systems Using Vibration and Static Correction Modes
,”
ASME J. Mech., Transm., Autom. Des.
0738-0666,
108
, pp.
315
322
.
28.
Dokainish
,
M. A.
, and
Subbaraj
,
K. A.
, 1989, “
Study of Direct Time-Integration Methods in Computational Structural Dynamics—I. Explicit Methods
,”
Comput. Struct.
0045-7949,
32
(
6
), pp.
1371
1386
.
29.
Subbaraj
,
K. A.
, and
Dokainish
,
M. A.
, 1989, “
A Study of Direct Time-Integration Methods in Computational Structural Dynamics-II. Implicit Methods
,”
Comput. Struct.
0045-7949,
32
(
6
), pp.
1387
1401
.
30.
Li
,
Y.
, 1991, “
Modified Algorithm of Transfer Matrix Method of Eigenvalue Problem
,”
Journal of Aerospace Power
1000-8055,
6
(
3
), pp.
249
250
.
31.
He
,
B.
,
Rui
,
X. T.
, and
Wang
,
G. P.
, 2007, “
Riccati Discrete Time Transfer Matrix Method of Multibody System for Elastic Beam Undergoing Large Overall Motion
,”
Multibody Syst. Dyn.
1384-5640,
18
(
4
), pp.
579
598
.
You do not currently have access to this content.