Thermoelastic vibration and maneuver control of smart satellites

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze and control the thermally induced vibration of orbiting smart satellite panels, which have been modeled as functionally graded material (FGM) beams. Design/methodology/approach It is assumed that the satellite moves in a circular orbit and has pitch angle rotation maneuver. Rapid temperature changes at day–night transitions in orbit generate time dependent bending moments that induce vibrations in the appendages. So, the heat radiation effects on the appendages should be considered. The thermally induced vibrations of the appendages and the nonlinear heat transfer equation are coupled and should be solved simultaneously. So, the governing equations of the motion are nonlinear and very complicated ones. A robust passivity-based controller is proposed to control the satellite maneuver and appendages vibrations, using piezoelectric sensors/actuators. Findings After the simulation, the effects of the heat radiation, piezoelectric actuators and piezoelectric locations on the response of the system are studied. The results of dynamic response and thermal analysis show that the radiation thermal effects are coupled with structure dynamic. These effects induce the vibration. Also, the effectiveness and the capability of the controller are analyzed. The results of the simulation show that the robust passivity-based control can ensure that the satellite rotates in the desired trajectory and vibrations of the appendages are damped. It demonstrates that the proposed control scheme is feasible and effective. Originality/value The paper is the basis of deriving the governing equations, thermal analysis and a robust control system design of a smart satellite with FGM panels.