Experimentally Exploring a Hyperstable Momentum Bias Wheel through Tuned Liquid Column Dampers
T.G. Esser (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J. Bouwmeester – Mentor (TU Delft - Space Systems Egineering)
J.M. Kuiper – Mentor (TU Delft - Space Systems Egineering)
S. Speretta – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Space Systems Egineering)
Vahid Yaghoubi – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Group Yaghoubi Nasrabadi)
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Abstract
Microvibrations are an undesirable by-product of spacecraft flywheel rotor systems that can disturb the measurements of onboard instruments. Existing attenuation solutions tend to be bulky and/or complex.
This thesis explores a passive solution in which Tuned Liquid Column Dampers (TLCDs) are implemented in the flywheel to attenuate vibration through counter-oscillation at a predefined frequency bandwidth. A Python-based tool was developed to fine-tune the damper geometry for any given flywheel configuration and angular velocity. Subsequently, a breadboard Momentum Bias Wheel (MBW) design was created, built, and tested to verify this proof-of-concept experimentally.
It was found that the TLCD dampers in the meridional direction are ineffective at significantly damping vibrations in a flat-shaped MBW. The minor theoretical effect could not be detected by the experimental setup used. However, the application of a TLCD in alternative configurations, such as those positioned in the equatorial direction, remains a more promising field of research.
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