• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2022, Vol. 58 ›› Issue (22): 334-348.doi: 10.3901/JME.2022.22.334

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Overview of Research and Development on Space Slip Rings

ZHANG Qiang1, ZHANG Ke-mo1, LIU Ji-kui1, QU Qiang1, JIANG Jun1, LI Rui2   

  1. 1. Beijing Institute of Control Engineering, Beijing 100190;
    2. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, Beijing 100048
  • Received:2022-03-05 Revised:2022-11-05 Online:2022-11-20 Published:2023-02-07

Abstract: Slip ring(SR) is a key component of the long life three-axis stabilization satellite. It is designed to transfer power and propagate signals between constantly rotating part and relatively static part through sliding electrical contacts of elastic brush in the conductive ring. At present, there is no effective method to solve the unstable performance issues of SR under space service environment, such as wear, friction torque fluctuation, contact resistance and electrical noise, etc. The research of space SR technology involves concepts and theories in materials, mechanics, physics, chemistry, space environment and other disciplines. By combing the research hotspots and difficulties of SR in recent years, it is found that its performance is highly related to contact surface roughness, material hardness, brush pressure, wear resistance, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, self-lubrication under vacuum,microgravity environment, etc. At present, there are still deficiencies in the research on the micro characteristics and evolution process of sliding electrical contact surface, the wear mechanism of the sliding electrical contact, the movement path of wear debris, the electrical transmission performance and its control. The existing knowledge reserve and technical reserve are not enough to support the development of SR with longer life, higher reliability and more stable operation on orbit. It is urgent to improve the scientific understanding of the relevant characteristics of SR under extreme space conditions and multi-field coupling conditions, so as to provide more theoretical guidance and technical support for the safe operation of spacecraft on orbit.

Key words: slip ring, electrical contacts, friction, wear, wear debris

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