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Shape-changing solar sails for novel mission applications

Borggrafe, Andreas and Heiligers, Jeannette and Ceriotti, Matteo and McInnes, Colin (2013) Shape-changing solar sails for novel mission applications. In: 64th International Astronautical Congress 2013, 2013-09-23 - 2013-09-27.

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Abstract

In order to increase the range of potential mission applications of solar sail technology, this paper introduces the concepts of shape change and continuously variable optical properties to large gossamer spacecraft. Merging the two concepts leads to the idea of solar sails as multi-functional platforms that can have potential benefits over conventional solar sails by delivering additional key mission functions such as power collection, sensing and communications. To this aim, the paper investigates the static deflection of a thin inelastic circular sail film with a variable surface reflectivity distribution. The sail film is modelled as a single surface framed by a rigid supporting hoop structure. When changing the reflectivity coefficient across the sail surface, the forces acting on the sail can be controlled without changing the incidence angle relative to the Sun. In addition, by assigning an appropriate reflectivity function across the sail, the load distribution due to solar radiation pressure can also be manipulated to control the billowing of the film. By an appropriate choice of reflectivity across the sail, specific geometries can be generated, such as a parabolic reflector, thus enabling a multi-functional sail. This novel concept of optical reconfiguration can potentially extend solar sail mission applications.

Item type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
ID code: 46294
Notes: Copyright owned by Andreas Borggrafe. Released to IAF to publish in all forms
Keywords: solar sails, spacecraft shape optimization , mission applications, Mechanical engineering and machinery, Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Control and Systems Engineering, Mechanics of Materials
Subjects: Technology > Mechanical engineering and machinery
Technology > Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
Department: Faculty of Engineering > Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Technology and Innovation Centre > Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing
Depositing user: Pure Administrator
Date deposited: 17 Dec 2013 13:01
Last modified: 09 Jan 2019 01:22
Related URLs:
URI: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/46294
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