Complex variable methods for linearized Euler rigid body rotation equations. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: García-Gutiérrez, Adrián; Cubas, Javier; Chen, Huan; Sanz-Andrés, Ángel
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 170(2020)
• Page Start: 454
• Page End: 465
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.02.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: The determination of analytical solutions is a vital step in understanding the different physical systems and building confidence in the numerical methods that are required for more complex models. In the present work, analytical solutions are derived for axisymmetric and near-axisymmetric rigid body problems. The formulation proposed is based on a complex variable which characterizes all the different kinds of problems in similar terms. The described methodology is introduced for simple cases and, progressively, extended to other advanced problems such as random perturbations. As an application, this complex variable formulation can be used to characterize the asteroid' motions, showing a dependence between their inertia coefficients and their rotational velocities when the asteroid is perturbed from its relaxed state. A Montecarlo experiment is done in order to determine how well the inertia ratios of the asteroid can be estimated knowing only information about its angular velocities. Highlights: Analytical solutions are derived for axisymmetric and near-axisymmetric rigid body problems. The formulation proposed is based on a complex variable which characterizes all the different problems in similar terms. A Montecarlo experiment, using data from real asteroids, is done to determine how well the inertia ratios can be estimated..