The ability to accurately characterize propellant in a finite element model is a concern of engineers tasked with studying the dynamic response of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor (SRM). The uncertainties arising from propellant characterization through specimen testing led to the decision to perform a modal survey and model correlation of a single segment of the Shuttle SRM. Multiple input methods were used to excite and define case/propellant modes of both an inert segment and, later, a live propellant segment. These tests were successful at defining higthly damped, flexible modes, several pairs of which occurred with frequency spacing of less than two percent. The application of advanced correlation techniques enabled the finite element model to be adjusted to match the test results within two weeks of test completion and gave added confidence that accurate propellant material properties were identified.
Modal survey and test-analysis correlation of the space shuttle SRM
Korrelation von Modaluebersicht und Testanalyse beim Feststoffraketenmotor der Raumfaehre
1988
8 Seiten, 12 Bilder, 6 Tabellen, 5 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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