Study on the rigid-flexible-thermal coupled multibody dynamics of a complete satellite with clearance joint considering solid lubrication coating

Under the framework of Nodal Coordinate Formulation (NCF) and Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF), a comprehensive rigid-flexible-thermal coupled system of the complete satellite with clearance joint considering solid lubrication has been established. This model analyzes the thermally induced vibration response of the solar panel and the position deviation of the rigid body’s center of mass under space thermal environment and attitude motion. By using the interpolation principle of the ANCF displacement field, a unified description of the temperature field and displacement field on the same mesh is realized, and the generalized elasticity forces with thermal strain are derived. Based on the first law of thermodynamics, the heat conduction equation for the solar panel is provided. After applying thermal boundary conditions, the equation is discretized via the finite element method, and expressions for the heat capacity, thermal conduction, heat radiation, and heat flux density vectors from solar and Earth radiation are derived. Using the contact law with solid lubrication coating and the modified Coulomb friction model, the internal contact and separation states of the clearance joint are considered comprehensively, and the dynamics equations of the complete satellite rigid-flexible-thermal coupled system with clearance joint considering solid lubrication are constructed and solved using the generalized- α method. This paper further analyzes the dynamic behavior of the complete satellite in stationary and maneuvering conditions, revealing the influence of the space thermal environment, solid lubrication coating, and clearance size on the dynamic response of the flexible solar panel and the rigid body attitude motion. Meanwhile, it also analyzes the effect of solid lubrication coating on the internal contact states of the clearance joint, contact force, and penetration depth. The research results provide valuable insight into understanding the dynamic influence of clearance joint with solid lubrication on the solar panel and satellite attitude motion, offering theoretical guidance for practical engineering designs.