Aerodynamic stability analysis of a CubeSat in high-speed rarefied flow
Williams, James Warren
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/101103
Description
Title
Aerodynamic stability analysis of a CubeSat in high-speed rarefied flow
Author(s)
Williams, James Warren
Issue Date
2018-04-27
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Putnam, Zachary R.
Department of Study
Aerospace Engineering
Discipline
Aerospace Engineering
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
Stability CubeSat SmallSat Rarefied High Speed
Abstract
Small satellites, such as CubeSats and SmallSats, are seeing increased use in Low Earth Orbit, particularly at altitudes with measurable aerodynamic effects. It is important to design these spacecraft, which often have modest control authority, such that the resultant aerodynamic forces and moments do not cause unstable motion, which may lead to premature loss of mission. Building from free molecular pressure and shear equations for flat plates, an aerodynamic solver is designed to analyze the aerodynamic forces and moments on a 3U CubeSat with center of gravity offset, orbiting at altitudes from 80 to 200 km. The motion of this CubeSat is then simulated for a variety of initial conditions, both with and without active control, to determine its behavior. Inferences are made as to design rules that will lead to more stable small satellites.
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