Finite element software development for dynamic analysis and simulation of a Flexible Satellite Orbiting in space

Abstract

A computer code to simulate dynamics of flexible satellites orbiting the earth is developed. As the particular model, the satellite consisting of a rigid main body and two symmetrical flexible solar panels is observed. The motion of the solar panels is discretized by using finite element method. For this purpose the solar panels are supposed as a number of rectangular plate elements. The natural frequencies are then studied in order to determine the important modes during its operation.