Outline of lecture

The mechanics of multi-body structure systems is treated to analyze the dynamics of space satellites, deployable space structures, linked space manipulators, and etc. Active control of the multi-body systems in the space environment is also introduced. The treatments of kinematics, generalized coordinates, holonomic/non-holonomic constraints are discussed. A good background in mechanics, vector analyses, and differential equations is assumed.

1. Differentiation of Vectors

2. Kinematics

3. Mass Distribution

4. Generalized Forces

5. Energy Functions

6. Formulation of Equations of Motion

7. Extraction of Information from Equations of Motion