AAS 97-118

THE DYNAMICS AND MODELING FIDELITY OF AN APPARATUS TO TEST THE STABILITY OF SPINNING SPACECRAFT UNDER THRUST

D. M. Halsmer, Oral Roberts University

Abstract

Establishing the stability characteristics of non-rigid, spinning bodies in the presence of thrust presents a formidable challenge. The importance of this problem is underscored by instabilities observed during the upper-stage firing of certain solid-propellant rocket motors. Analytical studies, including computer simulations, have had limited success in characterizing coning stability in these situations. An experimental approach to the problem is suggested to validate previous work, and provide an additional perspective which is expected to yield further insights into the dynamics and control of such maneuvers.