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

作者：McInnes Colin R^*

来源：Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, 2016, 126(4): 501-517.

DOI：10.1007/s10569-016-9707-y

• Swarm
• Satellite constellation
• Micro-satellite
• Solar radiation pressure
• Continuity equation

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.

• 出版日期2016-11