Dynamics Analysis of Laser 2D Cutting of a Large Space Debris Object Under Zero-Gravity Conditions

In this paper two independent objects in low-earth orbit are analysed. The first object is a large piece of space debris containing fragments that need to be extracted and re-used. The second object is a space debris collector equipped with a laser powerful enough to destruct any element of the space debris in an infinitely small period of time. It is accepted that the switch on and switch off times of the laser beam are infinitely small. It is supposed that the objects are moving in near orbits and the difference between their velocities is small. The object protects itself by applying attitude jets and turning the structure round. The particle method is used to analyze the dynamics of laser cutting of a piece of space debris under zero gravity. In the 2D formulation, the cutting beam is replaced by a cutting dot. The objective in the work was not ensuring conformity between the calculated model and the real part but rather formulating the cutting conditions (deactivation) of the links between the particles. Aiming is problematic under gravity-free conditions, hence random cutting was used. To ensure integrity of the cut-out debris fragments, they were encircled by virtual circumferences and the circumferences’ positions were tracked. As soon as the cutting point entered the circle, the laser was immediately switched off.

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