Multibody Analysis Activities


The Structures Section performs detailed analyses involving flexible bodies with time-varying characteristics and control algorithms. The software programs used are DCAP (based on a ‘fast’, ‘effective’ and ‘symbolic’ formulation), SIMPACK and SAMCEF Mecano.
 
Several Multibody Dynamics Activities have been performed by the Structures Section in support of numerous projects:

 
 
   
Spacecrafts:
  
  • modelling unconventional S/C dynamics, including orbital environment disturbances
  • control laws, including sensors and actuation dynamics
  • coupled system frequencies and time responses
  • docking phase analysis

 
 
Launch Vehicle during lift off phase
   
Launch Vehicle during lift off phase
 
Launch Vehicles:
  
  • non-linear time dynamic simulations for flexible bodies with time varying characteristics
  • atmospheric environment including external disturbance
  • launch vehicle flight dynamics-control interaction (directly imported into Matlab)
  • frequency domain analysis
  • multiple nozzles dynamics capabilities
  • local analyses (gust response, lift off, multi-payload separations)
  • collision avoidance
  • data recovery procedure

 
 
Flywheel application
   
Flywheel application
 
Structural Dynamics & Control:
  
  • modelling complex devices and mechanisms
  • control design
  • coupled system frequencies and time responses
  • modelling laboratory demonstrator dynamics and control

 
 
 
 
  
Last update: 19 August 2009


Conference papers

 •  Variable mass and Simulink I/F (pdf) (http://naca.central.cranfield.ac.uk/dcsss/2004/B21_Sciacovelli_EDITfinal2.pdf)
 •  Data Recovery Procedure (pdf) (http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/157_oliv.pdf)

Related article

 •  DCAP
Thales Alenia Space Italy (http://www.esa.int/TEC/Structures/SEMZX356JGG_0.html)

Related Links

 •  SAMCEF Mecano
Samtech (http://www.samtech.com/product/product.asp?idP=91 &pcid=25 &pid=11 &lcid=25)
 •  Adams
MSC.Software (http://www.mscsoftware.com/Products/CAE-Tools/Adams.aspx)
 •  SIMPACK
SIMPACK AG (http://www.simpack.com/websitep.html)

ESA Workshop

 •  1st ESA Workshop on Multibody Dynamics for Space Applications (http://www.congrex.nl/10m02/)