Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Deployment of Solar Sails by Joule Effect: Thermal Analysis and Experimental Results

Version 1 : Received: 26 November 2020 / Approved: 27 November 2020 / Online: 27 November 2020 (13:10:37 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Bovesecchi, G.; Corasaniti, S.; Costanza, G.; Piferi, F.P.; Tata, M.E. Deployment of Solar Sails by Joule Effect: Thermal Analysis and Experimental Results. Aerospace 2020, 7, 180. Bovesecchi, G.; Corasaniti, S.; Costanza, G.; Piferi, F.P.; Tata, M.E. Deployment of Solar Sails by Joule Effect: Thermal Analysis and Experimental Results. Aerospace 2020, 7, 180.

Abstract

Space vehicles may be propelled by solar sails exploiting the radiation pressure coming from the sun and applied on their surfaces. This work deals with the adoption of Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) elements in the sail deployment mechanism activated by the Joule Effect, i.e. using the same SMA elements as a resistance within suitable designed electrical circuits. Mathematical models were analyzed for the thermal analysis by implementing algorithms for the evaluation of the temperature trend depending on the design parameters. Several solar sail prototypes were built up and tested with different number, size and arrangement of the SMA elements, as well as the type of the selected electrical circuit. The main parameters have been discussed in the tested configurations and advantages discussed as well.

Keywords

solar sail; aerospace; propulsion; mechanical systems; shape memory alloys; joule effect; thermal analysis.

Subject

Chemistry and Materials Science, Biomaterials

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0
Metrics 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.