Investigations of Fluid-Dynamic Actuators for Attitude Control of Pico- and Nano Satellites

该项目涉及未来纳米和微型卫星姿态控制系统的实验室研究。这种替代装置使用流体环来存储角动量。先前的工作为流体动力致动器的有效使用提供了证据，并产生了紧凑高效的致动器原型。通过对流量影响组件的详细检查，现在应该优化整个系统的性能。在先前获得的见解的基础上，现在评估了不同的液态金属和介电流体作为角动量存储介质的用途。因此，必须对不同温度下不同流体的机械泵性能进行评估。进一步强调了电力动力推进机构，重点是功率/重量比和流体驱动组件的效率。此外，还应分析各种通道几何形状对流动特性的影响。本研究旨在开发一种适合小卫星姿态控制的高效、无磨损作动器系统。

This project is dealing with laboratory investigations for a future attitude control system for nano- and pico satellites. This alternative device uses fluid rings for angular momentum storage. Previous work delivered proof for the profitable usage of fluid-dynamic actuators and resulted in a compact and efficient actuator prototype. Through detailed examination of the flow affecting components, the overall system performance shall now be optimized. Building on previously gained insight, different liquid metals and dielectric fluids are now evaluated for their use as a medium for angular momentum storage. Therefore, the mechanical pump performance at different temperatures for the respective fluids must be assessed. Further emphasis is laid on electro-dynamic propulsion mechanisms with focus on the power/weight ratio and the efficiency of the fluid driving components. Moreover, the influence of various channel geometries on the flow properties shall be analyzed. This research aims at the development of a highly efficient and wear-free actuator system tailored for the attitude control of small satellites.