Energy Dissipation in Spacecraft Structures Incorporating Bolted Joints Operating in Macroslip

Abstract

The energy dissipation capacity of bolted joints operating in macroslip in a simple satellite model was investigated. A novel way of modeling the macroslip behavior was introduced and it was shown to work well. The method was established by setting the behavior of an elastoplastic element pair to match the experimental response of a bolted joint in macroslip. This pair consisted of two elastoplastic solid elements forming a unit, appropriately constrained by multipoint constraints. Experiments carried out on real satellite joint coupons were used to define the response of the joints for use in the modeling work. The energy dissipated by the joints was obtained by calculating the area under the force-displacement hysteresis loop in the elements through nonlinear transient analyses. It was found that if some of the joints operated in the macroslip region the energy dissipating capability of the joints could be increased significantly. The response of the satellite with these joints was investigated and it was found that vibration levels were reduced significantly.