Comparative application analysis and test verification on equivalent modeling theories of honeycomb sandwich panels for satellite solar arrays

Abstract

Due to the difficulty of direct finite-element modeling for honeycomb sandwich panels, it is more common to apply equivalent modeling theories. It is necessary to compare their equivalent precision and then to determine the method with the best equivalent performance so as to prepare for the application in satellite solar arrays. The first 10 natural frequencies are obtained by analyzing the dynamic characteristics of sandwich panel theory model, honeycomb panel theory model, and equivalent panel theory model. The equivalent errors of different equivalent methods are obtained by comparison with the analysis results of real honeycomb panel model. Then, the sandwich panel theory and the Hoff theory with high precision are used to simulate the solar array panel. The two methods are further verified and compared by simulation and experiment. Finally, the sandwich panel theory with the highest accuracy is selected to simulate the vibration response of the solar array panel based on the above work. By comparing the frequency response analysis results with the test results, it is found that the maximum acceleration response error is within 7%, and the corresponding frequency error of the main direction is within 3%. The comparison between random analysis results and test results shows that the root mean square response errors of acceleration in three directions are within 13.7%. It is proved that the sandwich panel theory has high accuracy in the honeycomb structure. Based on the background of a specific space project, this study innovatively applies the test results to compare several typical equivalent theories of honeycomb sandwich panels so as to get a theory with the highest equivalent precision. The final conclusion has been applied to the design of related space products and proved to be feasible. This provides important reference and basis for the structural design of the satellite.

Coupling Effect of Nonlinear Stiffness of Tape Spring Hinges and Flexible Deformation of Panels during Orbit Maneuvers

“…Park [2] in analyzing the deployment of solar panels. Honeycomb sandwich panels were modelled by Wang et al [3] with respect to different equivalent modeling theories. The linear finite-element formulation and the linear modal approach with global mode shapes were used, respectively, by Wallrapp and Wiedemann [1,4] in modeling solar panels.…”

“…One three-axis stabilized spacecraft with a pair of solar arrays was modeled as a discrete dynamic model by Liu et al [7]. The accuracy of the modal approach depends on the quality of the mode shapes applied in the simulations [3]. However, neither the rigid body model nor modal order reduction method (MORM) model is adequate to express the nonlinear deformation of flexible bodies.…”

Plastic Forming of Sandwich Panels and Numerical Analyses of the Forming Processes Based on Elastoplastic Equivalent Model

“…Wang et al [ 15 ] used the orthotropic constitutive model of the composite honeycomb core layer to establish a two-dimensional equivalent model to predict the natural frequency and mode shapes of sandwich panels. Wang et al [ 16 ] conducted the modal test of the solar array panel to compare the honeycomb sandwich panel theory model, honeycomb panel theory model, and equivalent panel theory model, and the results show that the sandwich panel theory model has the highest equivalent accuracy. Liang et al [ 17 ] clarified the bending forming performance and forming defects of a bi-directional trapezoidal sandwich panel in detail through MPF experiment, numerical simulation, and analytical methods.…”