Dynamic analysis of an inflatable space structure with moving masses described by ALE-ANCF

A new dynamic model of the inflatable space structure with moving masses has been established which uses the variable-length shell element of absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) in the framework of arbitrary Lagrange-Euler (ALE) to estimate the dynamic responses of spinning inflatable spacecraft on orbit. Compared with the traditional ANCF method, the developed ALE-ANCF method can not only describe the large overall motions and large deformations of the inflatable structures, but also account for the variable length induced by the moving mass through the introduction of two material coordinates. The orbital dynamics and the linearized characteristic equations of the rigid-flexible multibody system are derived, with the Coriolis force, universal gravitation and centrifugal force taken into consideration. The dynamic characteristics of the inflatable space structure with moving masses are studied and a vibration experiment is conducted to verify the accuracy of the dynamic model. The orbital dynamic responses of the inflatable space structure with moving masses are analyzed.