Efficient calculation of view factors to space and thermal analysis of large space truss structures

摘要

A truss structure traveling through space is subjected to varying heating loads due to solar, albedo and infra-red heating as well as shadowing. This results in varying temperature distribution, thermal stresses and displacements. Large truss structures require very large computer resources to develop and process the thermal math models. Calculation of view factors and orbital heating loads is the most computer time intensive segment of computations.