AAS 95-335

Effect of Mass Variation on the Dynamics of Mechanical Systems

F. O. Eke and T. C. Mao, Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA

Abstract

This paper presents a study of that class of mechanical systems that lose or gain mass while in motion. The full equations of motion of such systems are derived, and then compared with those of "equivalent rigid bodies". The contributions of mass variation to the dynamic behavior of the system are explored in depth, under various realistic scenarios. Finally, the paper establishes a set of criteria that delineates the circumstances under which mass variation can be safely ignored, from those situations where mass variation must be taken into account in order to obtain reasonably accurate predictions of system behavior.