Scaling of Large Space Structure Joints
Abstract
Large orbiting spacecraft will often use trusses as primary, load- carrying structure. Favorable strength/weight and stiffness/weight ratios as well as compact stowage make trusses a natural candidate for erectable space structures. However the sheer size of proposed spacecraft raises important questions with respect to verification of their predicted dynamic properties. Assembled orbiting structures will be, in many cases, much too large for ground vibration testing. Some are not even capable of supporting their own weight in the earth's gravity. Various truss structures currently proposed for on-orbit assembly are too large to be tested on the ground. This has led to renewed interest in scale models for verification of predicted structural dynamic properties. However, a realistic scale model truss requires joints whose stiffness and damping properties are in-scale with those of the full-size counterpart. The primary conclusion is that accurate scale modeling of erectable trusses is quite feasible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA197027
Entities
People
- David A. Kienholz