Modeling and Simulation of a New Electromagnetic-driven Microgravity Experiment System

The electromagnetic-driven microgravity experiment system is a novel earthbound facility which is a modification of the classical drop tower. It not only enables experiments with an outstanding microgravity quality $(10^{-6} {g}$, where g is the Earth’s gravitational acceleration), but also novel experiments under hypo- or hyper-gravity conditions. This paper describes the design details of the 150.6-meter electromagnetic-driven microgravity facility which is proposed by the Naval University of Engineering and named HefeiTower. The launch trajectories for HefeiTower to simulate different space gravity conditions are designed. Also, the models of the system kinematics and dynamics are established. Based on system simulation, the microgravity level of the experimental payload can achieve is evaluated. The results indicate that during the free-fall parabolic flight time, there is a maximum residual acceleration of 0.215 g on the gondola, while the free-flyer capsule is separated from the gondola, allowing the experimental payload to perform the microgravity level of $10^{-6}$ g.