Session
Weekend Poster Session 1
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Accounting for vibrations is a critical component in the design of a small satellite frame. This research aims to determine the most effective material for a small satellite. This will be accomplished through finite element analysis, simulated vibration fatigue testing, and material samples of the same physical design and proportion.
Four materials have been determined for testing, the first two of which are 6061 Aluminum and 4130 Stainless Steel, due to their ductility and industry prominence. 2024 Aluminum was selected due to its high ductility which is higher than that of 6061 Aluminum. Finally, while Cast Iron is not as applicable to the aerospace industry, it was selected to serve as a control for brittle materials.
Fatigue is the progressive and localized structural damage that occurs when a material is subjected to cyclic loading. It is difficult to detect progressive deterioration during the fatigue process, so catastrophic failures can occur without warning. It is estimated that 85 percent of all structural failures are caused by material fatigue. The purpose of these findings is to display how random vibrations contribute to structural failure due to fatigue.
The Theoretical Simulation Analysis of Vibrations in Small Satellites: A Material Study
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Accounting for vibrations is a critical component in the design of a small satellite frame. This research aims to determine the most effective material for a small satellite. This will be accomplished through finite element analysis, simulated vibration fatigue testing, and material samples of the same physical design and proportion.
Four materials have been determined for testing, the first two of which are 6061 Aluminum and 4130 Stainless Steel, due to their ductility and industry prominence. 2024 Aluminum was selected due to its high ductility which is higher than that of 6061 Aluminum. Finally, while Cast Iron is not as applicable to the aerospace industry, it was selected to serve as a control for brittle materials.
Fatigue is the progressive and localized structural damage that occurs when a material is subjected to cyclic loading. It is difficult to detect progressive deterioration during the fatigue process, so catastrophic failures can occur without warning. It is estimated that 85 percent of all structural failures are caused by material fatigue. The purpose of these findings is to display how random vibrations contribute to structural failure due to fatigue.
