Author(s)

T. Olbrechts, D. Vandepitte & W. Heylen

Abstract

Spacecraft dynamic behaviour is an important parameter in microgravity research experiments. Experiments and specimens must not be exposed to structural vibrations. Traditional design methods of spacecraft for dynamic environments mainly rely on finite element models. Validation of these models is done through comparison of modal parameters that are measured in an experiment on ground, in Ig gravity conditions. Real spacecraft dynamic behaviour in microgravity conditions is supposed to equal behaviour in gravity conditions. It is unknown whether conventional finite element models truly represent microgravity conditions. This research is a follow-on to experiments that were performed on ESA mission D-2. Structural vibration experiments ar

Keywords