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MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF THE KINEMATIC BEHAVIOUR OF THE DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM OF SOLAR ARRAY FOR A 1-U CUBESAT
  • Lawal Nasir Muhammed,
  • Ugheoke Benjamin Iyenagbe,
  • Dorin Nwachukwu
Lawal Nasir Muhammed
University of Abuja Faculty of Engineering

Corresponding Author:nasir.lawal@uniabuja.edu.ng

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Ugheoke Benjamin Iyenagbe
University of Abuja Faculty of Engineering
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Dorin Nwachukwu
National Space Research and Development Agency
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Abstract

Cubesats have transcended mere demonstration systems to sophisticated missions which invariably require the use of deployable solar arrays for more power generation. The kinematics of deployment have considerable influence on the stability and attitude control of a satellite, especially one with such low mass as Cubesats. This work aimed to model and simulate two-wing deployable solar array, with a sun tracking tilt function for a 1-U CubeSat, with emphasis on the deployment mechanism using materials locally available in the country. The design is such that four panels attached to two wings hinged at Y and – Y directions deploy slowly and smoothly at approximately 2 seconds where the vibration decays exponentially and approaches zero. The model of all parts, as well as the computational analysis were done with SOLIDWORKS software. The system was tested for vibration and stability using the seismic mass-spring-and-damper arrangement and the Bond Graph technique was used to conduct kinematic analysis of the mechanism. A 3-D printing was generated and tested to evaluate its operational performance. The simulated results of the model were validated with the prototype outputs with an error of 0.03% in energy supply reliability, about 400% more power generated than the body mounted solar panels of same satellite specification without a significant impact on system strength and Stability.
24 Apr 2022Submitted to Engineering Reports
27 Apr 2022Submission Checks Completed
27 Apr 2022Assigned to Editor
27 Apr 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
27 Jun 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
26 Aug 20221st Revision Received
26 Aug 2022Submission Checks Completed
26 Aug 2022Assigned to Editor
09 Sep 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Sep 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
01 Nov 20222nd Revision Received
02 Nov 2022Submission Checks Completed
02 Nov 2022Assigned to Editor
02 Nov 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Nov 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Nov 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
30 Nov 20223rd Revision Received
01 Dec 2022Submission Checks Completed
01 Dec 2022Assigned to Editor
01 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
05 Dec 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
05 Dec 20224th Revision Received
07 Dec 2022Submission Checks Completed
07 Dec 2022Assigned to Editor
07 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
08 Dec 2022Editorial Decision: Accept