An Evaluation of Torque Characteristics of a Spherical Magnetohydrodynamic Attitude Control Device.

This study presents an innovative approach to attitude control in microsatellites by utilizing a spherical magnetohydrodynamic attitude control device (MHD-SACD) for three-axis attitude adjustments. A novel method is developed to quantify the output torque generated by this device, analyzing the relationship between torque, voltage, and average fluid velocity. Utilizing the energy conservation principle, an equivalent coupling circuit for the MHD-SACD is derived to assess its power dynamics. This leads to the formulation of the electromagnetic torque equation. Additionally, simulations are conducted to calculate friction torque and resultant output torque. The findings provide a qualitative assessment of the device's torque characteristics, serving as a reference for future design optimization and setting the stage for subsequent experimental investigations. This study introduces a groundbreaking perspective to the domain of microsatellite attitude control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]