Magnetorquers are used in attitude determination control through the use of an external magnetic field. In the realm of electricity and magnetism a magnetic dipole moment vector is used to quantify the "power" of these magnetorquers. A magnetic dipole moment in the presence of an external magnetic field will experience a torque in the direction determined by the cross product of the magnetic dipole moment and the external magnetic field (magnetic dipole moments want to "align" with the external magnetic field"). The magnetic dipole moment is created through the use of current loop's enclosing a 2 dimensional area (AKA solenoids).
The magnetorquer demo serves as a gateway to the construction, development, and control of future magnetorquer's which will ultimately be implemented in the CubeSat design. Creating this demo creates familiarity with language common in the ADCS field while also learning the fundamental parameters involved in designing a magnetorquer. In addition it brings familiarity with common hardware allowing for a more accurate cost estimate. In general satellites or specifically CubeSats have a minimum of 3 magnetorques with magnetic dipole moment vectors along three orthogonal directions. Allowing torques to be applied in a certain direction so that the CubeSat can be oriented in any direction possible.
Create a table top demonstration of common sized magnetorquers and visibly show the resultant torques when current is provided.
Constants:
Torque = N * I * A * (1 + Xv * Mu0 * B)
Using the following chosen values a torque of 2.0095 * 10^-6 is achieved.
With this torque a rotational acceleration of 1.15 degrees per second^2 is achieved.
Our goal for this project is to have a completed demonstrator for Imagine RIT.
Future Goals
Eli Laramie
Justin Kon
Pj Zaccagnino
Eric Gerstner