Recent developments in thermal analysis of large space structures

Abstract

A numerical procedure for analysis of shadowed space heating of sparse structures, SSQ, is discussed. The SSQ program avoids inordinate computational complexity by confining attention to a single elemental location on a structural member of interest throughout an entire orbital period, proceeding then to similar treatment of individual alternate locations. The procedure considers a spacecraft in circular orbit and assumes fixed-Earth orientation of the spacecraft. Shadow orientation and interval duration, merged shadows, and computation of solar heat flux and thermal response are addressed. The output options of the SSQ FORTRAN 5 program and its efficiency are discussed. Application of the system to the analysis of a parabolic expandable truss antenna is considered.