Flexible Structure Vibration Control Using Double-Gimbal Variable-Speed Control Moment Gyros

This paper studies the dynamics and control of a flexible space structure using double-gimbal variable-speed control moment gyros (DGVSCMGs). The DGVSCMGs are mounted on the flexible structure as actuators for attitude and vibration control. A flexible structure with a cluster of angular momentum devices is considered to be a gyroelastic body. The detailed dynamics of a single gyroelastic body under the influence of the actuators is derived using Kane's method. A simple controller capable of vibration suppression is proposed for the attitude maneuver. A novel steering law is designed for the DGVSCMGs. Null motion of the gimbal angles and rotor rates is considered to compensate for the undesirable modal force in the vibration equation. Numerical simulations are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller and steering law.