Title: Mobility analysis of space deployable truss considering joint clearance and friction

Authors: Tianwu Wang; Xiang Liu; Guoping Cai; Fucheng Liu; Jun Sun; Dongfang Zhu

Addresses: Department of Engineering Mechanics, MOE Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China ' Department of Engineering Mechanics, MOE Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China ' Department of Engineering Mechanics, MOE Key Laboratory of Hydrodynamics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China ' Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, Shanghai, 201109, China ' Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, Shanghai, 201109, China ' Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, Shanghai, 201109, China

Abstract: Space deployable truss is an important component in the spacecraft system, its smooth deployment is significant to ensure the normal operation of the spacecraft. The parts in truss are connected by joints and clearance inevitably exists in joints. As the growing of truss scales, the proliferation of joints amplifies the impact of clearance on truss mobility, thereby influencing spacecraft operation. Firstly, in this paper, based on the Cartesian method of multi-body system, the variable topology fast algorithm is introduced to solve the locking problem of space deployable truss. Then we establish contact dynamics model for clearance joint, obtaining normal contact force and tangential friction force by applying Hertz contact theory and Coulomb friction model, respectively. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to analyse the effects of clearance, driving force, and friction on truss mobility. The results indicate that reducing joint clearance and driving force, along with increasing joint friction, diminishes truss mobility.

Keywords: space truss; deployment; joint clearance; mobility.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2025.151021

International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, 2025 Vol.7 No.3, pp.197 - 218

Received: 26 Apr 2025
Accepted: 06 Sep 2025
Published online: 09 Jan 2026 *

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