Satellite finite element model updating for the prediction of the effect of micro-vibration

Abstract

In this work, satellite FE (finite element) model updating for the prediction of the effect of micro-vibration is described. In the case of satellites launched in low earth orbit, high agility and more mission accomplishments are required by the customer in order to procure many images from satellites. To achieve the goal, many mechanisms, including high capacity wheels and antennas with multi-axis gimbals have been widely adopted, but they become a source of micro-vibration which could significantly deteriorate the quality of images. To investigate the effect due to the micro-vibration in orbit on the ground, a prediction is conducted through an integrated model coupling the measured jitter sources with FE (finite element) model. Before prediction, the FE model is updated to match simulation results with the modal survey test. Subsequently, the quality of FE model is evaluated in terms of frequency deviation error, the resemblance of mode shapes and FRFs (frequency response functions) between test and analysis.