The resultant vector and principal moment of light radiation pressure upon an optically convex space structure

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the questions related to determination of light radiation pressure upon a space structures of optically convex shape. The equation for force from light pressure acting upon an space optically convex structure’s surface infinitesimal element is given with assumption that the surface may be shadowed partly. We derive the infinitesimal light radiation force as a series based on representation of absolute value function as a series of Chebyshev polynomials of first kind. We also obtain the tensor equations which describe the shape and the optical properties of a surface independently from its attitude. For these tensor equations we presented the equations for resultant vector and principal moment of light radiation pressure on the space structure. We also provide an example equations for flat two-sided solar sail. These results can be used for the analysis of dynamics of a center of gravity and around center of mass of a space structures, and also for the development of adaptive control systems of satellites which can take solar pressure into account. Refs 41. Figs 1.