Dynamic model for large multi-flexible-body space structures

Large multi-flexible-body space structures, such as space solar arrays, comprise of multiple flexible substructures that are connected by joint hinges. Unlike traditional continuous structural models, a noncontinuous multi-flexible-body structural model with joint hinges is set up for the multi-flexible-body structure herein. In contrast to the general multi-body structural models in which each substructure is taken as a rigid body, the elastic deformation of every substructure in the multi-flexible-body structural model is taken into account. Furthermore, the connection stiffness and friction damping of joint hinges are considered as they affect the structural dynamic properties. All of the aforementioned considerations make the dynamic modeling of this multi-flexible-body structural system rather difficult. To solve the problem, an innovative semi-analytical model is developed for each flexible substructure. A four-node massless spring-damper element is built up for each joint hinge, in which the stiffness and damping coefficients of the hinge are calibrated by experiments. By comparing the computed results with experimental results, it can be concluded that the method proposed herein is correct and efficient.