Force-transmission characteristics of a cable-driven mechanism with high initial velocity for spacecraft separation in ground tests

In deep space exploration, the high-speed separation process of spacecraft is fraught with uncertainty and uncontrollability. To accurately simulate and analyze this process, a series of ground tests are typically required. In this study, a cable-driven mechanism is proposed to simulate this process. Given the high initial velocity of the spacecraft, the cable force undergoes violent fluctuations. Thus, a detailed study of the mechanism governing the forcetransmission characteristics is essential to enhance the accuracy of cable force application. Three key parameters, such as slack time, peak cable force, and average relative error, are proposed to illustrate force-transmission characteristics. The effects of parameters such as thrust, pre-tension, and Young’s modulus on force-transmission characteristics are also investigated. An input force planning algorithm is proposed to improve the accuracy of the cable force. High-speed separation tests are conducted within certain upper and lower bounds, and the experimental and simulation data demonstrate good agreement, confirming the accuracy of the proposed model.