A continuum model for the orbit evolution of self-propelled ‘smart dust’ swarms

A continuity equation is developed to model the evolution of a swarm of self-propelled ‘smart dust’ devices in heliocentric orbit driven by solar radiation pressure. These devices are assumed to be MEMs-scale (micro-electromechanical systems) with a large area-to-mass ratio. For large numbers of dev...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Celestial mechanics and dynamical astronomy 2016-11, Vol.126 (4), p.501-517
Main Author: McInnes, Colin R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace Technology and Astronautics
Astrophysics and Astroparticles
Classical Mechanics
Constellations
Continuums
Devices
Dust
Dynamical Systems and Ergodic Theory
Evolution
Exact solutions
Geophysics/Geodesy
Mathematical analysis
Mathematical models
Original Article
Physics
Physics and Astronomy
Radio astronomy
Solar physics
Solar radiation
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A continuity equation is developed to model the evolution of a swarm of self-propelled ‘smart dust’ devices in heliocentric orbit driven by solar radiation pressure. These devices are assumed to be MEMs-scale (micro-electromechanical systems) with a large area-to-mass ratio. For large numbers of devices it will be assumed that a continuum approximation can be used to model their orbit evolution. The families of closed-form solutions to the resulting swarm continuity equation then represent the evolution of the number density of devices as a function of both position and time from a set of initial data. Forcing terms are also considered which model swarm sources and sinks (device deposition and device failure). The closed-form solutions presented for the swarm number density provide insights into the behaviour of swarms of self-propelled ‘smart dust’ devices an can form the basis of more complex mission design methodologies.
ISSN:0923-2958
1572-9478
DOI:10.1007/s10569-016-9707-y