Astro-elastic and astro-viscoelastic system engineering: Optimum solar sail configurations based on astrodynamics, designer materials, sizing and geometries

Harry H. Hilton, Steven J. D'Urso

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A generalized analysis is formulated that extends wind sail aerodynamics to a designer system engineering of solar sails through equivalent astrodynamics, astro-elasticity, astro-viscoelasticity, morphing and optimization. The analytical formulation is cast in terms of an inverse calculus of variations problem that leads to solutions yielding optimum solar sail material properties, sizing and geometries subject to preselected constraints, such as maximum thrust, high strength, minimum weight, stability and control, etc.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIAA SPACE 2014 Conference and Exposition
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc. (AIAA)
ISBN (Print)9781624102578
StatePublished - 2014
EventAIAA SPACE 2014 Conference and Exposition - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 4 2014Aug 7 2014

Publication series

NameAIAA SPACE 2014 Conference and Exposition

Conference

ConferenceAIAA SPACE 2014 Conference and Exposition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period8/4/148/7/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Aerospace Engineering

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