Using cylindrical finite elements in the spiral spring tape angular deformation model of docking mechanism damper

Specified damping features of advanced spacecraft docking mechanisms can be realized using attenuation elements based on spiral tape springs with nonlinear stiffness behavior. The existing approximate engineering methods allow to calculate certain parameters of constant-width spiral springs operating only in a clockwork mode, when resistance torque is close to constant on the whole range of angular movement. The required nonlinear stiffness behavior can be realized only by using a width-variable tape spring. New cylindrical finite elements are proposed in this paper for describing a shape of such tape spring. The calculating algorithm for spring deformation under torque is considered. A variation of the torque value makes it possible to determine the spring stiffness behavior. The described model and deformation calculating algorithm for the spiral tape-spring form the basis for analysis and synthesis of spring attenuation elements for future docking mechanisms.