Rotational Motion of a Free Body Induced by Mass Redistribution

摘要: The effects of mass redistribution on the rotational motion a free body, initially rotating uniformly about its axis maximum moment inertia, are studied using simple three-body model composed two "control" points masses and triaxial rigid body. An exact analytical solution for original spin after is developed from classical Yhis in interpreted geometrically reciprocal inertia ellipsoid redistributed system angular momentum integral. Application to problem spacecraft attitude control discussed results particular presented. T well-known fact1 that free, triaxial, condition uniform rotation in- termediate, principal unstable. This stability manifests itself when small disturbances velocity components other axes occur; then, once-stationary intermediate performs large-angle motions with respect nonrotating reference frame. Recently, Beachley Dicker2 Beachley,3 have suggested this characteristic body might be used advantage spinning sense predictable an fixed induced by changing distribution spacecraft.% A based idea more economical than expulsion which would rotate vector spacecraft. Changes may accomplished internal masses. ef- fects such bodies been several authors review some work area given Lorell Lange,5 who propose automatic mass-trim utilizes movable primary purpose paper not study bodies, although these cannot ignored en- tirely will considered. Our main goal obtain description spacecraft's af- ter has occurred. Such previously obtained only limited way numerical integration.3 We shall also provide geometrical terpretation consider use as means control. In we similar those Ref. 3 employ theory