scenarioImpact
Overview
This scenario simulates the response of a spacecraft with a flexible solar panel that is hit by space debris. The solar array is divided into five segments, each with bending and torsional modes. The impact occurs at the third panel, which imparts flexing of the panel and induces rotation of the entire spacecraft. After impact, the hinges “break”, modeled by changing their stiffness and damping coefficients.
The script is found in the folder basilisk/examples and executed by using:
python3 scenarioImpact.py
The scenario outputs three plots: one for the time history of the affected sub-panel angles, one for the sub-panel rates, and another for the hub’s angular velocity. The scenario also creates a comprehensive Vizard simulation that shows the panels flexing after impact.
Illustration of Simulation Results
The impact happens at 10 seconds, which coincides with the large deflections shown in the sub-panel’s angles and angle rates. The impact on the hub is clearly seen in the third plot, as the hub goes from not rotating to oscillating in response to the panel’s flexing motion.
