Session
Technical Session XI: Advanced Subsystem or Component Developments I
Abstract
Advancements in several critical areas have made possible lightweight, strong and highly reliable momentum / reaction wheels. The development of reliable bearings with design features that allow high speed operation for space flight applications has significantly altered the weight / speed / wheel design considerations. Current designs typically operate at speeds at or below 6,000 RPM The new retainerless can achieve speeds 10 times that and meet or improve all other significant bearing operating parameters. These bearings offer a design life of 20 years or greater and are free of retainer caused anomalies. The development and test of these bearings has been ongoing for several years and have only recently become commercially available. Composite rotors for these wheels are required since they operate at speeds greater than the fatigue limit of metal rotors. Speeds of lOO,OOORPM are attainable. Composite rotors have several advantages compared to metal rotors including strength, thermal resistance and a zero fatigue rate. These rotors are made from space qualified resins and fibers with a space history. By combining retainerless bearings with composite rotors tremendous advantages in mass, size, power and reliability make possible for a new generation of space instruments which will help push forward the race for miniturization.
High Speed, Low Weight Momentum/Reaction Wheels
Advancements in several critical areas have made possible lightweight, strong and highly reliable momentum / reaction wheels. The development of reliable bearings with design features that allow high speed operation for space flight applications has significantly altered the weight / speed / wheel design considerations. Current designs typically operate at speeds at or below 6,000 RPM The new retainerless can achieve speeds 10 times that and meet or improve all other significant bearing operating parameters. These bearings offer a design life of 20 years or greater and are free of retainer caused anomalies. The development and test of these bearings has been ongoing for several years and have only recently become commercially available. Composite rotors for these wheels are required since they operate at speeds greater than the fatigue limit of metal rotors. Speeds of lOO,OOORPM are attainable. Composite rotors have several advantages compared to metal rotors including strength, thermal resistance and a zero fatigue rate. These rotors are made from space qualified resins and fibers with a space history. By combining retainerless bearings with composite rotors tremendous advantages in mass, size, power and reliability make possible for a new generation of space instruments which will help push forward the race for miniturization.
