Dynamic analysis of non-linear processes in super heavy-lift launch vehicle erector and polyspast lifting system

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of transients in the proposed rope system elements in the installation equipment of super heavy-lift launch vehicles (SHLLV) on the example of a promising rocket “Yenisei” in the process of its transfer to a vertical position on the launch complex. The considered lifting system, which is based on the polyspast system (PS) and in which winches are used as lifting mechanisms, can be considered as an alternative to the hydraulic lifting system, which has proven itself in such complexes as “Energy”, “N1”. A numerical simulation of the transporter-erector unit (TEU) lifting process with the launch vehicle (LV) by the finite element method (FEM) with variable matrices was carried out for two calculated cases characterized by an abrupt change in the system parameters: the initial moment (corresponding to the PS highest loading) of the rocket lifting into a vertical position, and the moment (corresponding to the change in the load torque direction) acting on the TEU (with LV) during the verticalization process. According to the calculation results, the dependences of the PS forces for a wide range of winding ropes on the winch drums speed values, calculation of the TEU rigid frame total structural strength was carried out. It is concluded that it is necessary to introduce additional control devices in the lifting mechanisms to maintain the ropes in a tight condition throughout the verticalization process. The research results can be useful in the designing the actuators for lifting mechanisms of the rope system.