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NASA NTRS · 20070019829

Development of New Modeling and Analysis Tools for Solar Sails

Lou, Michael·Fang, Houfei·Yang, Bingen
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Abstract

Existing finite-element-based structural analysis codes are ineffective in treating deployable gossamer space systems, including solar sails that are formed by long space-deployable booms and extremely large thin-film membrane apertures. Recognizing this, the NASA Space transportation Technology Program has initiated and sponsored a focused research effort to develop new and computationally efficient structural modeling and analysis tools for solar sails. The technical approach of this ongoing effort will be described. Two solution methods, the Distributed Transfer Function Method and the Parameter-Variation-Principle method, based on which the technical approach was formatted are also discussed.

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Lou, Michael, Fang, Houfei, Yang, Bingen. 2004-08-16. Development of New Modeling and Analysis Tools for Solar Sails. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20070019829

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