Session
Technical Session V: Communications and Testing
Abstract
Most people involved in the design and construction of small satellites are unfamiliar with vibration testing. Yet most satellites undergo vibration testing to qualify them for flight. Some familiarity with the basic aspects of vibration testing is needed to insure that a vibration test on a satellite is valid. This paper sets forth the basic equipment, practices and concepts of vibration testing. It provides guidelines for specifying a vibration test, designing fixtures, attaching instrumentation, acquiring data and data interpretation for a satellite vibration test.
Vibration Testing for Small Satellites
Most people involved in the design and construction of small satellites are unfamiliar with vibration testing. Yet most satellites undergo vibration testing to qualify them for flight. Some familiarity with the basic aspects of vibration testing is needed to insure that a vibration test on a satellite is valid. This paper sets forth the basic equipment, practices and concepts of vibration testing. It provides guidelines for specifying a vibration test, designing fixtures, attaching instrumentation, acquiring data and data interpretation for a satellite vibration test.
