Measuring and Modeling the Dynamics of Stiffened Thin-Film Polyimide Panels

Stiff, ultralightweight thermal-formed polyimide panels are examples of next-generation space structures that address some of the issues of membrane-dominated ultralightweight structures while maintaining their low mass and low stowage volume characteristics. The research presented here involved dynamically characterizing and modeling two of these panels, one 0.0625 m 2 with a mass of 38 g and the other 0.1875 m 2 with a mass of 81 g, to develop validated computer models that can be used to determine the effects of changing manufacturing parameters and scalability. Modal testing using an impact hammer and accelerometer extracted the first four structural natural frequencies, the first occurring at 71.9 Hz. These data were replicated by simple, coarsely meshed shell element finite element models that are significantly smaller than previous finite element models of similar structures.

[1]  Eric M. Flint,et al.  Overview of Form Stiffened Thin Film Shell Characteristic Behavior , 2006 .

[2]  M. Ashby,et al.  Cellular solids: Structure & properties , 1988 .

[3]  R. Blevins,et al.  Formulas for natural frequency and mode shape , 1984 .

[4]  M. B. Muller,et al.  Extending the frequency response capabilities of Automated Multi-Level Substructuring , 2000 .

[5]  Frank Abdi,et al.  Wrinkling Analysis of A Kapton Square Membrane under Tensile Loading , 2003 .

[6]  Jonathan T. Black,et al.  Dot-Projection Photogrammetry and Videogrammetry of Gossamer Space Structures , 2003 .

[7]  Suzanne Weaver Smith,et al.  Efficient Computation of Dynamic Response of Large Flexible Spacecraft , 2005 .

[8]  Jonathan T. Black,et al.  Measurement of In-Plane Motion of Thin-Film Structures Using Videogrammetry , 2007 .

[9]  Richard W. Longman,et al.  Recursive form of the eigensystem realization algorithm for system identification , 1989 .

[10]  John Lassiter,et al.  Structural dynamics experimental activities in ultra-lightweight and inflatable space structures , 2001 .

[11]  D. J. Ewins,et al.  Modal Testing: Theory and Practice , 1984 .

[12]  Jonathan T. Black,et al.  Measurement of In-Plane Motion of Thin-Film Structures Using Videogrammetry , 2006 .

[13]  Jer-Nan Juang,et al.  An eigensystem realization algorithm for modal parameter identification and model reduction. [control systems design for large space structures] , 1985 .

[14]  Sergio Pellegrino,et al.  Vibration of prestressed membrane structures in air , 2002 .

[15]  Jonathan T. Black,et al.  Experimental and Numerical Correlation of Gravity Sag In Solar-Sail- Quality Membranes , 2007 .

[16]  Wright-Patterson Afb,et al.  Videogrammetry Dynamics Measurements of a Lightweight Flexible Wing in a Wind Tunnel , 2009 .

[17]  Daniel J. Inman,et al.  Multi-input multi-output vibration testing of an inflatable torus , 2004 .

[18]  John A. Main,et al.  Experimental Modal Analysis and Damping Estimation for an Inflated Thin-Film Torus , 2002 .

[19]  Jonathan T. Black,et al.  Global Static Testing and Model Validation of Stiffened Thin Film Polyimide Panels , 2008 .

[20]  Arthur R. Johnson,et al.  DEPLOYMENT SIMULATION OF ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT INFLATABLE STRUCTURES , 2002 .

[21]  David L. Dickensheets,et al.  Fabrication and modeling of rib-stiffened thin films , 2009 .

[22]  John D. Johnston,et al.  Analytical and Experimental Characterization of Gravity Induced Deformations In Subscale Gossamer Structures , 2004 .

[23]  John A. Main,et al.  Dynamic Testing of an Inflatable, Self-Supporting, Unpressurized Thin-Film Torus , 2006 .

[24]  Jonathan T. Black,et al.  NEW ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT STIFF PANELS FOR SPACE APERTURES , 2006 .

[25]  Eric M. Flint,et al.  Experimentally Characterizing the Dynamics of 0.5m+ Diameter Doubly Curved Shells Made From Thin Films , 2003 .