NON-LINEAR EFFECTS IN THE LONGITUDINAL DYNAMICS OF A LIFTING VEHICLE IN A CIRCULAR ORBIT

Abstract

The second order terms were added to the linear equations of motion for a lifting vehicle in a circular orbit with small perturbations. The gravity-gradient effect on pitching moment is also included. The equations were solved on an analogue computer. Transient solutions were obtained. The effect of gravity gradient became more important than the aerodynamic moment AT HIGH ALTITUDE AND GOVERNED THE PITCHING MODE. The second order effects for the perturbations considered were found to be unimportant. It was concluded that the linear theory is applicable so long as the non-dimensional perturbation quantities are of reasonable order, say 0.2. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1960
Accession Number
AD0256307

Entities

People

  • R. S. Rangi

Organizations

  • University of Toronto

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Analog Computers
  • Analogs
  • Circular Orbits
  • Computers
  • Dynamics
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • High Altitude
  • Lifting Reentry Vehicles
  • Orbits
  • Perturbations
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Marine Hydrodynamics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris