Nonlinear Sciences – Chaotic Dynamics
Scientific paper
Feb 1991
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991jgr....96.2431b&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research (ISSN 0148-0227), vol. 96, Feb. 10, 1991, p. 2431-2440.
Nonlinear Sciences
Chaotic Dynamics
28
Eddy Currents, Gravitational Fields, Lageos (Satellite), Laser Ranger/Tracker, Satellite Rotation, Chaos, Dynamic Characteristics, Geomagnetism, Torque
Scientific paper
In view of the need of an accurate modeling of nongravitational forces on laser-tracked satellites, it is important to understand their rotational dynamics, which determines the temperature anisotropy and the ensuing radiation recoil effects. Here, a model of the torques acting on Lageos due to eddy currents and gravity gradient is proposed. The electromotive forces induced in the spacecraft by its rotation in the magnetic field of the earth dissipate angular momentum and produce a precession of the spin axis; the oblate spacecraft will precess in the gravitational field of the earth at a rate proportional to the rotation period. Therefore the gravitational torques become more and more important with time and eventually may produce a chaotic dynamics. The predicted evolution of the spin period agrees very well with the few experimental data available and corresponds to an approximately exponential growth rate of about 3 years.
Bertotti Bruno
Iess Luciano
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