Matrix approach to deployment dynamics of an n-panel solar array

Abstract The equations of motion of a deploying solar array are derived using Lagrange's method and solved numerically. With increase in the number of panels, the mathematical modelling becomes complicated, involving the derivation of lengthy equations which can be error prone. A matrix approach has been adopted for automatic derivation of lengthy equations of motion. This facilitates the accommodation of n panel formulation by increasing the number of rows and columns. The complexity in derivation of the air drag and damper are discussed here.