Structural Analysis Practices for Large Scale Systems

Abstract

Structural analysis practices that contribute to the effective analysis of large scale systems are described. The technical approach is via the matrix displacement method of structural analysis based upon finite element idealization. The context is a detailed thermal and mechanical stress analysis of the stacked Apollo Block II Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter (SLA) and Service Module (SM). This structure is modeled in terms of 34 substructures which lead to an approximate total of 5000 finite elements and 15,000 displacement degrees-of-freedom. This refinement accounts for the complex variations in overall geometry, sizing dimensions, materials, thermal loading, mechanical loading, and boundary conditions. Embodied in the physical model are truss, frame, shear panel, triangular thin shell, quadrilateral thin shell, and triangular prism finite elements. The division into substructures of moderate size is put forward as a key to effective technical management of the stress analysis process.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1968
Accession Number
ADA447749

Entities

People

  • Donald T. Hunter
  • Frederick W. Braun
  • Robert H. Mallett

Organizations

  • Bell Aircraft Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Information Operations
  • Manned Spacecraft
  • Mechanics
  • Service Modules
  • Spacecraft
  • Stress Analysis
  • Structural Analysis
  • Structural Engineering
  • Structural Mechanics

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Software Engineering
  • Structural Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space