Development of a Multimodal Vibration Test Fixture for Spacecraft Assemblies

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental research program to develop a novel type of assembly-level vibration test. The design of a multimodal test fixture, which simulates the high-frequency (100–2000 Hz) dynamic characteristics of a MARINER spacecraft structure, is described. Data obtained in research vibration tests with an electronic assembly mounted in the multimodal fixture indicate that the novel testing technique results in a more realistic and more uniform high-frequency vibration environment than conventional tests utilizing rigid fixtures. The paper presents guidelines for designing multimodal fixtures and discusses means of utilizing these fixtures in future spacecraft assembly-level vibration test programs.