Evaluation of optical properties of advanced reflectivity control device for solar sail by numerical simulation

Hirokazu Ishida*, Toshihiro Chujo, Osamu Mori, Junichiro Kawaguchi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The authors are currently developing a novel attitude control device for solar sails. The device is called Advanced Reflectivity-Control-Device (A-RCD) which can change the optical properties between diffuse reflection and obliquereflection. This device is mounted on the solar sail's membrane and can control the torque perpendicular to the membrane. The A-RCD is composed of microstructured film and polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), and these structures cause the strong diffraction when the light propagates in the device. Simulating such light propagation is indispensable to evaluate the performance by using computer calculations, which is inevitable if one tries to achieve the optimum design via parametric studies. Besides, the ability to simulate the light propagation in the A-RCD will give designers new insights into the A-RCD design. In this context, we will introduce the simulation method for the A-RCD in this paper.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication68th International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2017
Subtitle of host publicationUnlocking Imagination, Fostering Innovation and Strengthening Security
PublisherInternational Astronautical Federation, IAF
Pages8016-8021
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781510855373
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event68th International Astronautical Congress: Unlocking Imagination, Fostering Innovation and Strengthening Security, IAC 2017 - Adelaide, Australia
Duration: 25 Sept 201729 Sept 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
Volume12
ISSN (Print)0074-1795

Conference

Conference68th International Astronautical Congress: Unlocking Imagination, Fostering Innovation and Strengthening Security, IAC 2017
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityAdelaide
Period25/09/1729/09/17

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