Spherical Control Moment Gyroscope
Project Overview
The spherical control moment gyroscope is a continuation of work completed by Tyler Hamer for his thesis. Hamer’s work involved the construction and validation of a magnetically suspended spherical permanent magnet dipole actuator that operates as a reaction wheel, meaning it actuates in two instantaneous rotational degrees of freedom. My research involves electromagnetics modeling, force and torque modeling, and magnetic suspension that will inform how to incorporate inductive spin into the symmetric axis of the spherical rotor so it operates in three instantaneous rotational degrees of freedom.
Electromagnetics Modeling
My first contribution to the spherical control moment gyroscope actuation is the electromagnetic modeling of inductive spin drive. I derived two different models, including a bulk conductivity model and a thin shell current model of the dipole permanent magnet rotor and the surrounding coils. Below shows the simulated fields in Ansys for a dipole configuration (left) and the analytically derived field for a quadrupole configuration (right).
Force and Torque Modeling
With the thin shell model (left), I analytically model inductive drive to generate torque depending on the surface material and validate my findings using finite element modeling simulation. For the shell bulk conductivity model (right), I analytically model a copper shell to generate torque and validate my findings using finite element modeling simulation.
Suspension
My third contribution to the spherical control moment gyroscope is magnetically levitating a permanent magnet rotor prototype. Plant modeling and controller design is shown for closed-loop suspension.
