Modeling and robust control of flexible solar array paddles

In this paper, modeling and vibration control of large solar array paddles, which are mounted on satellites and space stations, are discussed. We regard the solar array paddles as two flexible plates. We derive a partial differential equation and a set of boundary conditions which represent the vibrations of the flexible plates and ordinary differential equations which represent the dynamics of angles of rotation of motors. On the basis of a finite-dimensional modal model of the distributed-parameter system, an optimal controller with low-pass property and a robust controller using H_∞ control theory for the flexible plates are constructed. Simulation results are shown