Theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanism

Abstract This paper conducts theoretical and experimental research on the docking lock of the space station docking mechanism, aiming to predict its long-term service life. By analyzing the working principle and load transmission path of the docking lock, a theoretical model based on the material pe...

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Main Authors: Lingxiao Quan, Jing Gao, Changhong Guo, Huiling Yuan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98784-5
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author Lingxiao Quan
Jing Gao
Changhong Guo
Huiling Yuan
author_facet Lingxiao Quan
Jing Gao
Changhong Guo
Huiling Yuan
author_sort Lingxiao Quan
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This paper conducts theoretical and experimental research on the docking lock of the space station docking mechanism, aiming to predict its long-term service life. By analyzing the working principle and load transmission path of the docking lock, a theoretical model based on the material performance degradation mechanism is established, and the life degradation equation of key components under service conditions is derived. Additionally, accelerated performance degradation tests with temperature as the accelerated stress were conducted to validate the accuracy of the theoretical model. The results show that the life prediction error of the theoretical model is less than 5%, demonstrating that the docking lock can operate safely for over 15 years. Through stress relaxation and creep tests, relevant parameters were fitted, and numerical calculations and experimental verification confirmed that when the initial load is 37 kN, the attenuation value of the locking force after 15 years of service is less than 10%, and the remaining locking force still meets the safety service requirements. These findings provide crucial insights into the design and optimization of docking locks, providing technical support for the design of docking mechanisms for future space stations and other spacecraft, and have important engineering application value.
format Article
id doaj-art-fa52f74a01e34818bbda6e453d348695
institution DOAJ
issn 2045-2322
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publishDate 2025-04-01
publisher Nature Portfolio
record_format Article
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spelling doaj-art-fa52f74a01e34818bbda6e453d3486952025-08-20T03:14:06ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-98784-5Theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanismLingxiao Quan0Jing Gao1Changhong Guo2Huiling Yuan3School of Mechanical Engineering, Yanshan UniversitySchool of Mechanical Engineering, Yanshan UniversitySchool of Mechanical Engineering, Yanshan UniversityShanghai Aerospace Systems Engineering InstituteAbstract This paper conducts theoretical and experimental research on the docking lock of the space station docking mechanism, aiming to predict its long-term service life. By analyzing the working principle and load transmission path of the docking lock, a theoretical model based on the material performance degradation mechanism is established, and the life degradation equation of key components under service conditions is derived. Additionally, accelerated performance degradation tests with temperature as the accelerated stress were conducted to validate the accuracy of the theoretical model. The results show that the life prediction error of the theoretical model is less than 5%, demonstrating that the docking lock can operate safely for over 15 years. Through stress relaxation and creep tests, relevant parameters were fitted, and numerical calculations and experimental verification confirmed that when the initial load is 37 kN, the attenuation value of the locking force after 15 years of service is less than 10%, and the remaining locking force still meets the safety service requirements. These findings provide crucial insights into the design and optimization of docking locks, providing technical support for the design of docking mechanisms for future space stations and other spacecraft, and have important engineering application value.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98784-5
spellingShingle Lingxiao Quan
Jing Gao
Changhong Guo
Huiling Yuan
Theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanism
Scientific Reports
title Theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanism
title_full Theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanism
title_fullStr Theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanism
title_full_unstemmed Theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanism
title_short Theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanism
title_sort theoretical and experimental research on long life prediction of the locking system of the space station docking mechanism
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-98784-5
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AT jinggao theoreticalandexperimentalresearchonlonglifepredictionofthelockingsystemofthespacestationdockingmechanism
AT changhongguo theoreticalandexperimentalresearchonlonglifepredictionofthelockingsystemofthespacestationdockingmechanism
AT huilingyuan theoreticalandexperimentalresearchonlonglifepredictionofthelockingsystemofthespacestationdockingmechanism