Consideration of the Initial Deformation From Natural Oscillations of Large Elastic Elements of the Spacecraft When Assessing Microaccelerations From Thermal Shock Using a Two-dimensional Model of Thermal Conductivity

The article considers the thermal shock of large elastic elements of a spacecraft leaving the Earth's shadow. The stress–strain state of the element is analyzed to estimate additional microaccelerations from a thermal shock. Beside the most dangerous cases, the possible initial deflection of the elastic element at the time of the thermal shock is also considered. This deflection can be related to the natural vibrations of elastic elements. The obtained results demonstrate a significant decrease in additional microaccelerations from a thermal shock at certain values of the initial deflection. It was also found that an elastic element can lose stability when bending stresses are added to thermal stresses. The results of the investigation can be used in the design and usage of small technological spacecraft.