Design and development of inter-satellite separation mechanism for Twin Nano satellite — STUDSAT-2
This paper describes the detailed design, development and dynamic analysis of Separation Mechanism for Twin Nano-satellite “STUDSAT-2”. The separation mechanism system is interfaced between the two nano-satellites, STUDSAT-2A and STUDSAT-2B. After the ejection from the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), due to stability constraints, the satellite is required to remain composite for an estimated period of 3 orbits before separation. Developing a reliable separation mechanism to sustain the launch vehicle vibrations and the space environment is of highest importance. Different design approaches and actuation strategies have been examined to ensure a uniform separation with least disturbance due to mechanically constrained surfaces. The analytical calculation to achieve the required relative velocity of the two satellite with respect to center of mass of the composite structure is performed and same has been validated using ANSYS rigid dynamics tool. Furthermore, the tool is also used to validate structural rigidity.
Failure analysis of deployment mechanism of a satellite solar array
The reliability issue of a solar array deployment mechanism was analyzed with FMECA and FTA. The main failure modes, their effects and criticalities were illustrated. A fault tree was built. Both qualitative analysis and the quantitative analysis of the fault tree were performed. The probability of the top event, the structural importance and the critical importance coefficients of different basic events were calculated. According to the analyses, the main reasons of the satellite solar array deployment mechanism failure and the list of the critical components were presented, and the effects of different failures were classified according to the severity and the criticality of the faults. Recommendations for improving solar arrays' reliability were provided for reliability design and structure improvement of the satellite solar array deployment mechanism.
Complex Systems Architecture Framework: Extension to Multi-objective Optimization
This paper shows the utility to follow an architecture framework in order to design complex systems with a holistic approach. Multi-objective Optimization techniques extend and complete the architecture framework to support trade-off analysis and decision making in the Systems Engineering design process. The merging and combination of these two approaches, decision making and systems engineering, contribute to the efficient design of systems by helping to meet needs and constraints stemming mainly from the system analysis.