An Approximate Solution for the Linearized Spinup Dynamics of a Dual-Spin Spacecraft

Abstract

An approximate solution is obtained for the linearized equations of motion for the spinup dynamics of a dual-spin spacecraft. The approximation is obtained from the WKB (Wentzel, Kramers, and Brillouin) method, which usually generates a divergent series. Comparison between the WKB solution and the numerically integrated solution are used to study the effects of spinup torque magnitude and the number of WKB terms used on the accuracy of the approximation. The WKB method generates accurate approximations for small spinup torques using as few as two terms in the series when no singularities are present in the WKB terms during the spinup time interval. For an axisymmetric spacecraft, the WKB series truncates after one term and provides the exact solution to the equations of motion. Spacecraft, Dynamics, Approximation (Mathematics), Series(Mathematics), Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin Method, Dual spin spacecraft.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA258903

Entities

People

  • David L. Kinney

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Angular Momentum
  • Axisymmetric
  • Boundary Layer
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Differential Equations
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Integrals
  • Intervals
  • Linear Differential Equations
  • Moment Of Inertia
  • Momentum
  • Symmetry
  • Theses
  • Total Angular Momentum

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Wave Propagation and Nonlinear Chaotic Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris