AERODYNAMIC TORQUE ON A SPINNING SPHERICAL SATELLITE,
Abstract
Calculations have revealed that a spinning spherical satellite moving through a rarefield atmosphere experiences precessional torque as well as the expected 'slow down torque.' The objective of this investigation is to determine the angular displacement of a gyroscopic satellite due to aerodynamics for comparison with the small angular displacement due to a general relativity effect described by Schiff. The analysis has shown that the directional movement of the spin axis due to aerodynamic effect is of such magnitude as to dictate the altitude at which the relativity experiment must be orbited in order to reduce the angular displacement in comparison with the 5 to 7 sec of arc per year expected from the Schiff effect. Also of great importance is the finding that measurements of the satellite spin axis movement due to aerodynamics could be used for accurate determination of the molecular accommodation coefficient in the orbital environment. Studies are being made to determine the best way to utilize this new method to measure the accommodation coefficient under actual orbital conditions. Through the use of various material surfaces, surface temperature, and surface roughness, a series of experiments to study gas-surface interactions could be designed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0628111
Entities
People
- Gerald R. Karr
Organizations
- University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign