Research on the Accumulative Damage of Flywheels Due to In-Space Charging Effects

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Abstract
High-speed rotating flywheel bearings, designed for space applications, generate a high-resistance hydrodynamic lubrication film, which isolates the rotor, transforming it into a conductor. This phenomenon introduces a novel failure mode—flywheel bearing electrical damage caused by space charging effects. This paper first reviews the sources of common shaft voltages in flywheels and the mechanisms of electrical damage and improves the principle of deep charge causing shaft voltages in flywheel bearings, proposing that surface charge is another source of shaft voltages. The quantified analysis model of flywheel bearing electrical damage in relation to rotational speed and high-energy electron flux is derived, indicating that the damage caused by space charge–discharge to the bearing is of small magnitude and only becomes apparent after long-term accumulation, thus being easily overlooked. Based on the causal chain of electrical damage, a correlation analysis model consistent with physical principles is constructed, and the correlation between on-orbit anomalies of the flywheel and high-energy electron flux is confirmed through the use of big data. Preliminary experiments are conducted to validate all of the research results. Finally, suggestions are given for the reliable design, application, and testing of flywheels.
Funding Information
  • National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFB3608901)

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