Space Technology

Fluiddynamic Actuator

Project Facts

Project NameInvestigation on Fluiddynamic Actuators for Attitude Control Systems for Pico- Pico- and Nanosatellites
Contact PersonDipl.-Ing. Daniel Noack
Funded byFederal Ministry of Education and Research
 German Research Foundation

This project deals with laboratory investigations for a future attitude control system for nano- and pico satellites. This alternative device uses fluid rings for angular momentum storage. Previous work delivered proof for the beneficial usage of fluid-dynamic actuators and resulted in a compact and efficient actuator prototype. Through detailed examination of the flow affecting components, the overall system performance is optimized. Building on previously gained insight, different liquid metals and dielectric fluids are evaluated for their use as a medium for angular momentum storage. Therefore, the mechanical pump performance at different temperatures for the respective fluids is assessed.
Further emphasis is laid on electro-dynamic propulsion mechanisms with focus on the power/weight ratio and the efficiency of the fluid driving components. Moreover, the influence of various channel geometries on the flow properties is analyzed. This research aims at the development of a highly efficient and wear-free actuator system tailored for the attitude control of small satellites.

Publications

Daniel Noack, Jonathan Ludwig and Klaus Brieß (2013). Untersuchungen zu einem fluiddynamischen Aktuator für den Einsatz auf dem Nanosatelliten TechnoSat.  62. German Aerospace Congress

Noack, Daniel; Ludwig, Jonathan; Brieß, Klaus (2014). Laboratory investigation of a fluid-dynamic actuator designed for CubeSats.  Acta Astronautica. Elsevier, 78-82.

Daniel Noack, Jonathan Ludwig and Klaus Brieß (2014). Fluid-Dynamic Attitude Control Experiment for TechnoSat.  Small Satellites Systems and Services Symposium

Noack, Daniel; Ludwig, Jonathan; Brieß, Klaus (2014). AN ANGULAR RING STORAGE DEVICE FOR SMALL SATELLITES BASED ON A LIQUID METAL ACTUATOR.  65th International Astronautical Congress

Noack, Daniel; Ludwig, Jonathan and Brieß, Klaus (2016). Fluid-Dynamic Actuators - An Alternative Attitude Control System for Small Satellites.  The ESA/CNES Small Satellites Systems and Services (4S) Symposium

Noack, Daniel; Ludwig, Jonathan and Brieß, Klaus (2015). Fluiddynamische Aktuatoren - Ein alternatives Lageregelungssystem für Kleinsatelliten.  64. Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress

Noack, Daniel; Ludwig, Jonathan; Werner, Philipp; Barschke, Merlin F. and Brieß, Klaus (2017). FDA-A6 - A fluid-dynamic attitude control system for TechnoSat.  Joint Conference: 31st ISTS, 26th ISSFD & 8th NSAT

Noack, Daniel; Barschke, Merlin F.; Werner, Philipp and Brieß, Klaus (2018). FDA in space – First in-orbit results of a fluid dynamic attitude control system.  presented at the Small Satellites Systems and Services Symposium

Großhans, J.; Vu, Quan H.; Balke A., Lohse A.; Maaß, A.; Noack, D.; Buscher, M.; Brieß, K. and Voigt, S. (2018). SALSAT - An innovative nanosatellite for spectrum analysis based on SDR technology.  presented at the 69th International Astronautical Congress

Noack, Daniel; Barschke, Merlin F.; Großhans, Jens; Ungermann, Boris G. J.; Vu, Huu Q.; Werner, Philipp; Brieß, Klaus (2019). In-Orbit Verification of a Fluid-Dynamic Attitude Control System.  Joint Symposium: 32nd ISTS & 9th NSAT

Diez, Jose M.; Lutkewitte, Brennan T.; Smith, Nicholas P.; Grau, Sebastian; Großhans, Jens (2019). TUPEX-7: Expanding CubeSat Capability.  8th European Conference for Aeronautics and Space Sciences