STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND VIBRATION TESTING OF THE TUMnanoSAT MICROSATELLITE

Abstract

One of the important verification steps before the launch of the nanosatellite developed at Technical University of Moldova (TUMnanoSAT) was vibration testing of the real model. These tests were carried out according to the requirements submitted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with which the launch of our nanosatellite was possible. Thus, in order to validate the structural integrity of CubeSat nanosatellites under launch loads, a 1U TestPod was designed and manufactured. This work presents hands-on experience of the vibration testing of the TUMnanoSAT microsatellite and simulation of static and dynamic loads. The dynamic behavior was analyzed by checking the harmonic oscillations (modal analysis and random vibrations) in order to avoid critical frequency (140 Hz). The testing facilities were provided by the Space Science Institute from Bucharest. The microsatellite was vibration tested in X, Y and Z axis directions according to special requirements. The numerical calculation model was developed in ANSYS Workbench. Comparison of the experimental results and numerical modal tests showed a good correlation within 10%.