Lightweight implementation of natural vibration frequency adjustment of satellite structures by varying the structural stiffness

Abstract The natural frequency of satellite structures must be made adjustable to ensure that they differ substantially from the dominant frequency of launch vehicles, and thereby avoid satellite damage arising from the phenomenon of resonance during launch. However, the means of achieving a maximum change in the natural frequencies of satellite structures at the lowest weight cost are poorly developed. The present study addresses this issue by proposing a lightweight implementation scheme based on structural stiffness for adjusting the natural frequencies of hexagonal prism satellite structures. Through finite element analysis and experimental analysis, the feasibility of the scheme is verified. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed parameterized design scheme involving satellite stiffness is both rational and feasible.