An innovative method for simulating microgravity effects through combining electromagnetic force and buoyancy

An improving method for micro-G simulation with magnetism–buoyancy hybrid system

“…The neutral buoyancy can be achieved by ensuring that the residual gravity is zero. We introduce a controllable electromagnetic force to compensate for the residual gravity [1] . As shown in Fig.…”

“…Traditional ground micro-G experimental facilities can't fully meet the above requirements because of their insufficiencies [1] . Among these facilities based on traditional methods (such as zero-G airplane, drop tower, air-bearing suspension system and neutral buoyancy system), the neutral buoyancy system (NBS) seems to be most suitable for verifying complex space operations because of its large volume, long-duration and 6 degree-of-freedom (DOF) space.…”

“…The first issue has been solved in reference [1] by using magnetism-buoyancy hybrid micro-G simulation system (MBHMSS), but the other two problems yet exist. For the non-consistency of balancing system, we propose and develop a general balance test bed (GBTB) in MBHMSS, with which we can eliminate the difference between gravity and liquid buoyancy (the difference is called as residual gravity in this paper) on new test body quickly with controllable electromagnetic force, not only make the simulation accuracy controllable in real time but also simplify the balancing process.…”

A Novel Micro-G Emulation System Using Active Magnetic Compensator for Complex Space Operations

“…The above analysis shows that, to carry out experiments of spatial operations on the ground, the existing microgravity simulation methods have their own drawbacks, being unable to satisfy all requirements [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. To well address the issues, our research team have firstly put forward an innovative method based on hybrid compensation, its basic principle is the combination of magnetic compensation and neutral buoyancy, which was proposed in [2]. The core of this method is the active magnetic suspension compensator for the moving actuator.…”

“…The first is the environment simulation method, including the Zero-G airplane and the drop tower; the second is the effect simulation method that maintains the apparent gravity of the tested-body continually to be zero, including the airbearing suspension system, the sling suspension system and the neutral buoyancy system. Due to some shortages of the present methods, none can perfectly meet the above-mentioned requirements [1][2][3][4][5].…”