Abstract
A recent study has introduced a flexible deployable heat shield that passively deploys and stiffens due to centrifugal forces generated from a self-regulated autorotation. This paper demonstrates that the heat shield is similar to a PI controlled second order nonlinear system, which explains why the deployment is accompanied by a limit cycle structural oscillation that persists throughout a simulated re-entry. The heat shield design offers a unique capability to actively adjust the deployment using conventional attitude control devices. This operation is explored by simulating the re-entry of a CubeSat-sized vehicle equipped with an off-the-shelf reaction wheel controlled by a switching phase shift controller and gain-scheduled controllers. The effects of the control parameters are investigated, and successful oscillation suppression as well as an open-loop downrange manoeuvre of over 300 km is predicted for re-entry from low earth orbit.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Acta Astronautica |
Early online date | 4 Jan 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Keywords
- entry vehicle
- Deployable aerodynamic decelerator
- Targeted re-entry
- Centrifugal deployment
- Limit cycle oscillation