Dynamic computation of a tether-net system capturing a space target via discrete elastic rods and an energy-conserving integrator

Abstract The tether-net system is a promising technique for active debris removal. The capture process of a tether-net system for debris exhibits the nonlinear dynamics of very high dimensions and requires the dynamic simulation of high accuracy and efficiency in the design stage. This paper presents an integrated approach of both method of discrete elastic rods and algorithm of energy-conserving integration for the above purpose. The study shows that the method of discrete elastic rods is more suitable for modeling the extremely flexible threads of a woven net than the slender beam elements with C1 continuity. Besides, the energy-conserving integrator embedded in the present approach well conserves the total energy, and does not produce any numerical dissipations. The paper gives three numerical examples, including the capturing process of a hexagonal tether-net system for a space target, to demonstrate the advantages of the present approach, as well as the influence of some initial control parameters on the deployment phase of the tether-net system.