Analytical Self-Contamination Computation for Spacecraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for computing self-contamination processes in spacecraft require long computing times and often produce numerical errors, especially at short time scales, due to the use of numerical solution schemes.
Innovation Solution
A novel algorithm that calculates self-contamination processes using an analytical solution of mathematical equations, eliminating the need for iterative steps by selecting a suitable basic equation based on surface properties, allowing for a single computation step that includes calculating view factors and integral equations for deposit calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerical solution schemes are used to compute self-contamination processes, then the method can handle complex spacecraft surfaces and materials, but the computing time becomes very long particularly at short time scales and numerical errors are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mathematical approach from numerical approximation to analytical solution. By deriving closed-form analytical solutions for the differential equations governing self-contamination, the computation eliminates iterative numerical steps while maintaining accuracy. This parameter change in the solution method directly reduces computing time without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/iterative numerical computation system with a mathematical analytical system. By substituting numerical integration and iteration with closed-form analytical expressions, the system achieves faster computation while maintaining or improving accuracy, directly addressing the time-accuracy tradeoff.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerical solution schemes are used for self-contamination computation, then the method can be applied to various spacecraft configurations, but the computing time increases significantly and numerical errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains versatility by keeping the analytical framework general enough to handle different spacecraft configurations through parameter inputs (surface properties, geometry, material characteristics). By changing from specific numerical methods to a general analytical approach, the system remains adaptable while dramatically reducing computing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If iterative computation steps are used to solve the basic equation, then the method can handle time-dependent emission and reemission coefficients, but the computation becomes time consuming and unnecessary intermediate steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent handles time-dependent emission and reemission coefficients by incorporating them directly into the analytical solution framework. By deriving analytical solutions that explicitly accommodate time-dependent parameters, the method eliminates the need for iterative time-stepping while maintaining the ability to handle complex time-dependent surface properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for computing self-contamination processes of a spacecraft involves receiving a first set of input parameters comprising general definitions of the spacecraft, and a second set of input parameters comprising control parameters for the spacecraft orbital data, physics, numeric. A self-contamination process of the spacecraft is calculated based on the received first and second sets of input data by calculating an analytical solution of a basic equation for calculating a deposit of molecules outgassed from surfaces of the spacecraft in a single computation step with the data processing device. The calculated deposit of molecules is then output.