Investigation on instable current issue of scanning mechanism
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 12 October 2012
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to find the root cause of the current issue for a scan drive mechanism which is used to drive and to control the Microwave Radiometer Imager (MWRI) equipment of the FY‐3 meteorological satellite in China.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to find the root cause of the irregularly unstable motor current, some possible reasons for this anomaly, including satellite dynamic, telemetry, electronics and mechanism system, are investigated. The root cause is focused on the mechanism that is increasing friction caused by limitation rollers striking the rotating part from time to time, which has been verified by simulation and test.
Findings
Findings gained from the simulations and tests results were: for a rotational space mechanism with high velocity accuracy requirement, if the moment of inertial (MOI) of the load is quite large, the balance is the key factor to the equipment performance. Moreover, thermal gradient and temperature difference are also important factors, especially to the space mechanism with large dimensions. Even a very small thermal deformation can lead to quite a number of unexpected results.
Practical implications
The better performance of the next optimized MWRI equipment in orbit showed that the performed measures are very effective and useful. The experience gained in settling this issue can be used for the design of a space scanning mechanism with high rotating speed and high accuracy.
Originality/value
The paper is an original work for the authors. The issue has not been found in the related literatures. It is based on research work on an engineering problem of unstable current issue, which is significant to the MWRI payload of the FY‐3 satellite.
Keywords
Citation
Yu, S., Miao, J., Wang, H. and Qian, Z. (2012), "Investigation on instable current issue of scanning mechanism", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 84 No. 6, pp. 398-403. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022661211272927
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited