Nonlinear analysis and vibration suppression control for a rigid–flexible coupling satellite antenna system composed of laminated shell reflector

• We present a nonlinear modeling method for the satellite antenna system.
• We consider the complete expression of elastic deformation and coupling terms.
• It can accurately predict the dynamic behavior using the present model.
• An effective control is proposed for vibration suppression.
• The residual vibration is effectively eliminated in a much shorter duration.

In this paper, a nonlinear dynamic modeling method for a rigid–flexible coupling satellite antenna system composed of laminated shell reflector is proposed undergoing a large overall motion. For the study of the characteristics of the reflector using laminated shell structure, the displacement field description of a point in a 3-noded shell element is acquired in conjunction with the length stretch, lateral bending and torsional deformation. Hence, a nonlinear dynamic model of the satellite antenna system is deduced based on Lagrange's equations. The complete expressions of nonlinear terms of elastic deformation and coupling terms between rigid motion and large deflection are considered in the dynamic equations, and the dynamic behavior of the rigid–flexible coupling system is analyzed using linear model and nonlinear model, respectively. In order to eliminate the system vibration, the PD with vibration force feedback control strategy is used to achieve its desired angles and velocity in a much shorter duration, and can further accomplish reduction of residual vibration. Then, the asymptotic stability of the system is proved based on the Lyapunov method. Through numerical computation, the results show that the linear model cannot capture the motion-induced coupling terms and geometric nonlinearity variations. However, the nonlinear model is suitable for dealing with large deformation rigid–flexible problem undergoing large overall motions. Hence, the satellite antenna pointing accuracy would be predicted based on the nonlinear model. Furthermore, the results also show that the proposed control strategy can suppress system vibration quickly. The above conclusions would have important academic significance and engineering value.