Multibody dynamic simulation of the next generation space telescope using finite elements and fuzzy sets Original Research Article

Multibody dynamic simulations are performed for a large deployable space structure using finite element models and an explicit temporal integration procedure. The structure considered is NASAʹs light-weight, 8 m-aperture next generation space telescope (NGST). The NGST structure consists of beam components (modeled using beam “super-elements”, each composed of two truss elements and a torsional spring), thin-surface shell-type components (modeled using super-elements, each composed of one brick, twelve truss elements, and six surface elements), revolute and prismatic joints, and reaction wheels. Detailed numerical simulations are conducted for the vibrational response, attitude control, and deployment. A fuzzy-set technique is used to assess the effect of changing the dwell time of the various deployment actuators on the total strain energy of the structure.