Thermal-Dependent Material Optimization of Electrodynamic Tethers for Mass-Normalized Lorentz Performance in 500 km LEO
Physics and Astronomy
Alisha Lopez
- Grade:
- 10
- Teacher:
- Curtis Romey
This project investigates which electrodynamic tether material provides the most efficient deorbit performance for a 3U CubeSat in a 500 km circular low‑Earth orbit. The Lorentz force generated by the tether is calculated using temperature-dependent electrical resistivity for aluminum, copper, and copper-clad aluminum under cold (−50 °C), nominal (20 °C), and hot (100 °C) thermal conditions. Temperature‑dependent electrical resistivity is also used to calculate tether resistance, current, and resulting force generation. MATLAB simulations quantify performance per unit tether mass, and a break‑even analysis is performed by varying tether length to determine how material choice affects mass‑normalized deorbit efficiency.
This is a well done study of important tether parameters which is especially helpful considering the growing number of satellites in orbit. Nice work!
Your slides are clear and easy to read. Your explanations of the importance of this research are very compelling. The plot for your results is clear and well-designed. Your ideas for future work are also thorough and exciting!