Dynamics modeling and simulation of self-collision of tether-net for space debris removal

• Published in: Advances in space research Vol. 64; no. 9; pp. 1675 - 1687
• Main Authors: Si, Jiyue, Pang, Zhaojun, Du, Zhonghua, Cheng, Chun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2019
• Subjects: Contact modeling; Self-collision; Space debris; Tether-net; Space debris; Contact modeling; Tether-net; Self-collision
• ISSN: 0273-1177; 1879-1948
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2019.08.006

•The self-collision dynamics of tether-net is investigated.•The line–line collision detection algorithm is proposed according to the geometric characteristics of the tether-net.•When self-collision is included, the net itself is winded rather than penetrate directly after self-collision. Tether-net is a new active removal technology for space debris, and its deployment and capture have attracted considerable attention. This study focuses on the dynamics and simulation of self-collision of tether-net. First, the mass-spring-damper method is used to model tether-net and a line–line self-collision detection algorithm is proposed according to the geometric characteristics of tether-net. Thereafter, combined with the nonlinear collision model, the self-collision process of tether-net is studied. Two simulations of the close-up of a net with or without a target are executed to show the difference between considering and not considering the self-collision of tether-net. Results reveal that the capture process of tether-net with consideration for self-collision is different from the one without self-collision, especially after the corners of the net begin to contact each other.