Experimental Techniques and Structural Parameter Estimation Studies of Spacecraft Cables

Abstract

Signal and electrical power cables pose unique challenges to spacecraft structural design and are often poorly modeled or even neglected. The objective of this research was to develop test methods and analysis techniques to accurately model cable-loaded spacecraft, using linear finite element models. Test methods were developed to characterize cable extensional and bending properties when subjected to low-level lateral dynamic loads. Timoshenko beam theory, including shear and bending, was used to model cable lateral dynamics, and the model formulation applicability was validated through experiment. An algorithm was developed to estimate cable area moment of inertia and shear area factor, shear modulus product, from a single driving point mobility function. Test methods and the parameter estimation algorithm were validated, using metallic rod test specimens. Experiments were performed on cables of differing constructions and spans, to develop a database for finite element modeling validation experiments.