• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.251-258
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• 2018

This work illustrates the progress of a TAS activity at exploring the challenges and the benefits of the Virtual Shaker Testing (VST) approach. The definition and the validation of new computational methodologies with respect to the state of the art were encouraged throughout this activity. The shaker Finite Element (FE) model in lateral configuration was built for the purpose and it was merged with the SpaceCraft (S/C) FE model, together with the S/C-Shaker adapter. FE matrices were reduced through the Craig-Bampton method. The VST transient analysis was performed in MATLAB(R) numerical computing environment. The closed-loop vibration control is accounted for and the solution is obtained through the fourth-order Runge Kutta method. The use of pre-existing built-in functions was limited by authors with the aim of tracing the impact of all the problems' parameters in the solution. Assumptions and limitations of the proposed methodology are detailed throughout this paper. Some preliminary results pertaining to the current progress of the activity are thus illustrated before the conclusions.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.79-90
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• 2020

The dynamic coupling between shaker and test-article has been investigated by recent research through the so called Virtual Shaker Testing (VST) approach. Basically a VST model includes the mathematical models of the test-item, of the shaker body, of the seismic mass and the facility vibration control algorithm. The subsequent coupled dynamic simulation even if more complex than the classical hard-mounted sine test-prediction, is a closer representation of the reality and is expected to be more accurate. One of the most remarkable benefits of VST is the accurate quantification of the frequency down-shift (with respect to the hard-mounted value), typically affecting the first lateral resonance of heavy test-items, like medium or large size Spacecraft (S/Cs), once mounted on the shaker. In this work, starting from previous successful VST experiences, the parameters having impact on the frequency shift are identified and discussed one by one. A simplified analytical system is thus defined to propose an efficient and effective way of calculating the lower bound frequency shift through a simple equation. Such equation can be useful to correct the S/C lateral natural frequency measured during the test, in order to remove the contribution attributable to the shaker in use. The so-corrected frequency value becomes relevant when verifying the compliance of the S/C w.r.t. the frequency requirement from the Launcher Authority. Moreover, it allows to perform a consistent post-test correlation of the first lateral natural frequency of S/C FE model.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.165-175
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• 2018

Jet Propulsion Laboratory has traditionally performed system level vibration testing of flight spacecraft. There have been many discussions in the aerospace community for more than a decade about spacecraft vibration testing benefits or lack thereof. The benefits and potential issues of fully assembled flight spacecraft vibration testing are discussed herein. The following specific topics are discussed: spacecraft screening test to uncover workmanship problems for launch dynamics environments, force- and moment-limited vibration testing, potential issues with structural frequency identification using base shake test data, and failures related to vibration shaker testing and ways to prevent them.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.239-249
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• 2018

Physical tests are performed at various stages of the development cycle of a product, from prototype validation to product qualification. Although costly, there are growing demands for qualification tests like endurance vibration testing to be more representative of the real world. At the same time there are growing demands to assess the durability of these items based on FEA simulation. In this paper, we will explain how to set up a CAE-based test and how to correlate the results with some physical measurements. Specific assumptions will be explained and some advantages of using virtual tests will be highlighted such as the reduction of the number of prototypes needed, investigations on failures, evaluation of the level of reliability via sensitivity analysis, evaluation of the margins are at the end of a successful test. This presentation will therefore focus on explaining and showing how virtual tests can enrich the exploitation of physical tests.

• Advances in aircraft and spacecraft science
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.205-223
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• 2018

During launch a spacecraft is subjected to a variety of dynamical loads transmitted through the launcher to spacecraft interface or air-born transmission excitations in the acoustic pressure field inside the fairing. As a result, spacecraft are tested on ground to ensure and demonstrate the global integrity of the structure against these loads, to screen the flight hardware for quality of workmanship and to validate mathematical models. This paper addresses the numerical modelling and simulation of the low frequency sine and random vibration tests performed on electrodynamic shaker facilities to comprise the mechanical-borne transmission loads through the launcher to spacecraft interface. Consequently, the paper reviews techniques and methodologies to derive a reliable and representative coupled virtual vibration testing simulation environment based on experimental data. These technologies are explored with the main objectives to ensure a stable, reliable and accurate control while testing. As a result, the use of the derived simulation models in combination with the added value of improved control and signal processing algorithms can lead to a safer and smoother vibration test control of the entire environmental test campaign.