OVERVIEW
Motivation:
- There is an increased need for qualification vibration test support of small satellites (pre-test and execution) due to a growing small-sat industry often subject severe test environments
- Finite Element Model (FEM) predictions are critical for interface load control as well as understanding margins of sensitive componentsDiscovery of significant model correlation errors on the day of a vibration test results in 2 significant issues:
- Schedule delays associated with live model correlation and re-evaluation of key margins
- Decision bias toward excessive conservatism
- Problems often arise that could be informed by modal survey (e.g. correlation of critical subcomponents, verify 1st mode for LV, etc…)
- However, standard approaches to modal testing typically fall outside of schedule & budget scope of small sat programs
Central Question:
Could a streamlined modal screening procedure provide sufficient value ahead of vibe or flight within the schedule and budget constraints of small sat programs?
- This report compares approaches toward fixed base modal screening
- Biggest challenge for small satellites is maintaining a lean approach
- Results in this report are a part of an ongoing effort to streamline this procedure