This paper reports recently completed structural dynamics experimental activities with new ultralightweight and inflatable space structures (a.k.a., "Gossamer" spacecraft) at NASA Langley Research Center, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Nine aspects of this work are covered, as follows: 1) inflated, rigidized tubes, 2) active control experiments, 3) photogrammetry, 4) laser vibrometry, 5) modal tests of inflatable structures, 6) in-vacuum modal tests, 7) tensioned membranes, 8) deployment tests, and 9) flight experiment support. Structural dynamics will play a major role in the design and eventual in-space deployment and performance of Gossamer spacecraft, and experimental R&D work such as this is required now to validate new analytical prediction methods. The activities discussed in the paper are pathfinder accomplishments, conducted on unique components and prototypes of future spacecraft systems.


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    Title :

    Structural Dynamics Experimental Activities in Ultra-Lightweight and Inflatable Space Structures


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    AIAA Gossamer Spacecraft Forum ; 2001 ; Seattle, WA, United States


    Publication date :

    2001-01-01


    Type of media :

    Preprint


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English







    Structural Dynamics Experimental Activities in Ultra-Lightweight and Inflatable Space Structures

    Pappa, Richard S. / Lassiter, John O. / Ross, Brian P. | NTRS | 2001


    AIAA-2001-1263 Structural Dynamics Experimental Activities in Ultra-Lightweight and Inflatable Space Structures

    Pappa, R. / Lassiter, J. / Ross, B. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2001