GRAVITAS
Scheda del progetto
Politecnico di Torino
Armando Vittorio Atzori
The project aims to create an innovative technology to recreate reduced gravity conditions for the simulated orbital flight of an autonomous artificial satellite simulator in three degrees of freedom, two translational and one rotational, through the use of a pressurised system and appropriate bearings that allow the simulator to float on a flat surface. This surface, formed by a monolithic block of granite, will also be able to tilt through a control algorithm and, consequently, control the gravitational gradient to which the simulator is subjected, allowing tests to be carried out in variable reduced gravity.
Contacts:
Contact person
Prof. Marcello Romano
In particular, the team will be responsible for the realisation of mathematical models of the simulator, the laws of Guidance, Navigation and Control, and a mathematical model of the variation of the gravitational gradient on which to base the granite control algorithm, which will be tested first on a scale model of the plane already present in the laboratory and then implemented in the full-scale plane. The project will conclude with the testing of the technology for the main industrial applications it may have and the drafting of a conclusive Report detailing the results obtained and the future impact that the technology developed may have.
The technology that is the subject of the PoC offers several advantages and reasons for being chosen. The innovative nature of the proposed solution could generate much interest throughout the scientific community and the aerospace industry. The main strengths of the proposed solution are certainly
- offer unique functionality and features that are accessible to a wide range of users;
- adapting to meet the evolving needs of customers.
The combination of these differentiating factors and competitive advantages means that users are interested in this technology to meet their specific needs. The aim is to offer a service that improves their operations, increases efficiency and reduces costs.
A reproduction of the simulated results on a scale model of the technology is expected to unequivocally validate its correct functioning in line with the results obtained from the simulations. Following this, the implementation, integration and testing of the full-scale technology will open the door to its application in an industrial environment as a qualified test platform.