Development of dynamics and control simulation of large flexible space systesm

This paper presents the development of an analytical formulation and general-purpose dynamics and control simulation program for large flexible multibody space systems. All of the bodies are structurally flexible and interconnected by gimbaled hinges with torsional springs and dampers which allow large-angle articulation. Dynamic behavior of these flexible interconnected bodies with time-varying boundary conditions is modeled by the quasistatic approach. System dynamics nolinearity is linearized by the perturbation method which separates the nominal motion of an imaginative all-rigid system from the perturbed motion influenced by structural flexibilities. Both Newtonian and Lagrangian approaches are discussed to bring out merits and drawbacks in formulation derivation. This program, named ALLFLEX, is interfaced with a structural dynamics program for modal information transfer and a generalized stability analysis program for control system design.