ABSTRACT
The purpose of experimental research is to make a physical model of rotating “floppy” systems which could be deployed in air environment within the gravitational field. The objectives of these studies included: visual observation of the systems and elucidation of systems capable to keep the required, stable configuration. In implementing the objectives of the experimental studies the Proton experimental models have been developed and manufactured. In conducting experiments on the Proton models the process of building the tether rotating loop was observed by means of the 2TCt32-456 stroboscopic tachometer. The tether configurations have been recorded with cameras Kiev-20 and Kiev-88TT under lighting conditions provided by the stroboscopic tachometer flash lamp. All the experiments demonstrated certain properties common to all systems involving flexible tethers. In conclusion, it must be noted that the experimental studies of the tethered systems have contributed much to the understanding of how the flexible systems (including the film systems) are deployed.
