Improved mode superposition reanalysis method

Abstract A new reanalysis method, formulated on the framework of component mode synthesis, is proposed that uses small numbers of modal degrees of freedom. The proposed mode superposition method employs the modal mass-stiffness conversion technique which can eliminate the truncated modes effect without using the residual flexibility. Eigen-analysis is required, but its matrix contains only the lower modal degrees of freedom of the baseline structure. Problems that occur with large and frequent design changes can be handled. This method will be integrated into the space structure designing procedure based on the coupled load analysis (CLA) associated with the launch vehicle. The validity and effectiveness of the method are demonstrated by means of numerical simulations.