Simplified modelling of Printed Circuit Boards for spacecraft applications
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.1.10
- Author
Mr. Robin Amy, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The severe mechanical environment that electronic components experience during spacecraft launch necessitates that their failure probability be assessed. One possible approach is to create an accurate model of the Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) dynamic response; subsequently the failure probability can be determined by comparing the response model with corresponding failure criteria for the electronic components. In principle the response model can be achieved by a very detailed Finite Element (FE) model of the PCB which would include the mass and stiffness of all components present on the PCB. Unfortunately this approach requires an excessive effort; therefore it is rarely pursued by the designer. Past research has shown that assumptions can be made about the mass and stiffness that allow simpler models to be created that still achieve appropriate levels of accuracy. However, the accuracy of these simplified models has not yet been quantified over a range of possible design cases. This paper will quantify how increasing levels of modelling simplifications decrease the accuracy of PCB FE models, the accuracy will be measured by the percentage error of the Modal Assessment Criterion (MAC) of the in-plane modes that have substantial modal mass participation. The MAC error will be calculated by comparing a detailed FE model of generic designs with simplified models. The generic designs will be created using a Design of Experiments approach (DOE) to ensure that the MAC error estimates are valid over a useful range of designs. Certain types of design are more sensitive to simplification than others; therefore the correlation of design parameters with MAC error is calculated. Finally the accuracy of the assumptions will be verified against some real life cases. In summary the confidence in FE models at various levels of simplification will calculated with respect to certain design variables, thus allowing simpler models to be created in shorter time with less prior knowledge.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.1.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.