The Dynamic Behaviour of Multifunctional Power Structures
- Paper number
IAC-06-C2.5.02
- Author
Dr. Christoph Schwingshackl, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Guglielmo Aglietti, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Paul R. Cunningham, United Kingdom
- Year
2006
- Abstract
For next generation of satellites new design approaches will be required to increase their payload to mass fraction. One proposed technology to achiever this goal is the multifunctional design concept, where spacecraft subsystems can be integrated into the load bearing structure of the satellite. The focus of the presented research is the dynamic response of a multifunctional power structure, i.e. a structural panel which incorporates battery cells. The aim is to demonstrate that it is possible to combine the secondary spacecraft power supply with the load carrying structure without a reduction in the dynamic performance of the structure, or mechanical damage to the batteries. An analytical and a finite element analysis of ten proposed multifunctional power structures, based on a sandwich panel configuration, are presented. The theoretical out-of-plane material properties for the investigated designs are derived with the help of the virtual displacement method. These theoretical properties are compared to finite element models and subsequently used in a parameter optimisation of the dynamic response of the ten introduced sandwich panels. A particular focus of the multifunctional power panel optimisation is a high natural frequency and a low material density coupled with a high energy density. A good agreement between the dynamic behaviour of the optimised multifunctional panels and the detailed finite element models confirms the chosen approach and allows the identification of the most favourable multifunctional power structure. In a next step the manufacturing process of the favourite multifunctional power structure is outlined and the experimental setup for the vibration test is discussed. The experimental dynamic response of the manufactured multifunctional power panel is presented and compared to a conventional honeycomb panel for a successful evaluation of the introduced multifunctional approach. The test results are subsequently used to validate the introduced theoretical approach and the finite element models. The results of this work show the ability of the presented multifunctional design to successfully combine the structural and power storage functions which makes the multifunctional power structure an excellent design approach for future space missions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C2.5.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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