Qualification Testing Phase of Satellite Structure - Finite Element Analysis for Satellite Structures - page 259

Fig. 6.7 Modal testing and
dynamic testing during
launch
discussed in the next chapter. Numerical strength analysis can be improved by
including the residual stresses and deformations that are induced in the structure
parts due to the manufacturing process. Though only the continuum approach is
used here instead of the MultiScale, yet it will be an interesting research topic to
compare how accurate and efficient it is to apply these two approaches. Yet, if the
material modeling is based on modified constants till the numerical model matches
the experimental results, then bringing the MultiScale level down to the nanolevel
may be required.
Following the modal testing, the strength mockup is tested under the effect of
vibrations during launch. These vibration levels are defined in Tables A.9, A.10,
and A.12. Test setup is similar to the modal testing one.
6.2.5 Shock Tests
Two types of shock testing were performed during the qualification phase of the
satellite design project. First shock testing is to evaluate satellite structure
mechanical design under the effect of shock loads due to separation of third stage
of the launcher. The shock spectrum is defined for the Dnepr launcher [ 3 ]in
Table 6.2 . The third stage of the launcher is separated from the main body through
the use of pyrotechnic devices that are activated using electric signals. Details of
the shock tests and their data analysis are out of the scope of this topic. It has to be
noted that no shock numerical analysis was performed using finite element, and
satellite structure shock strength has to be verified using only experimental setup.