Dynamics of variable-length tethers with application to tethered satellite deployment

The dynamics of variable-length tethers are studied using a flexible multibody dynamics method. The governing equations of the tethers are derived using a new, hybrid Eulerian and Lagrangian framework, by which the mass flow at a boundary of a tether and the length variation of a tether element are accounted for. The variable-length tether element based on the absolute nodal coordinate formulation is developed to simulate the deployment of satellite tethers. The coupled dynamic equations of tethers and satellites are obtained using the Lagrangian multiplier method. Several tethered satellite systems involving large displacements, rotations, and deformations are numerically simulated, where the tethers are released from several meters to about 1 km. A control strategy is proposed to avoid slackness of the tethers during deployment. The accuracy of the modeling and solution procedures was validated on an elevator model.

Research highlights
► The governing equations of variable-length tethers are derived.
► An absolute nodal coordinate formulation-based variable-length tether is developed.
► Tethered satellite systems involving large displacements are numerically simulated.
► A control strategy is proposed to avoid slackness of the tethers during deployment.
► The modeling and solution procedures were validated on an elevator model.