Staking a Place in Space - a Landmark Achievement in the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry has been striving to find a tool that can accurately predict acoustic and vibration responses in the intense diffuse acoustic field of a rocket launch, which can compromise the integrity of both the spacecraft and protective fairing, along with sensitive ground-based equipment.

Accurate models ensure the integrity of vital launch equipment subjected to the high-intensity acoustic field experienced during the launch process. Space Structures was fully aware that modeling launch acoustic conditions using traditional calculation methods relies on assumptions that can lead to inaccurate results, conservative decisions, and overlooking possible frequency dependency of the responses. They understood that they needed an advanced simulation methodology when designing structures for vibro-acoustic loading, such as for the development of a multi-functional panel for large satellites under European Space Agency (ESA) contract.

Using ESI VA One, Space Structures created predictive vibro-acoustic models, making it possible to quickly and accurately simulate carbon fiber composite interlayer stresses. They were able to perform the necessary calculations and analyses to support and optimize their designs. As a result, Space Structures received a high return on investment and increased customer satisfaction.

The aerospace industry previously relied on trial-and-error testing as well as test results from legacy designs, which provided little opportunity for design optimization. The realization of the need for advanced simulation came during the development of a multi-functional panel for large satellites. Space Structures’ project incorporated a new, cutting-edge technology that reduced uncertainties and risks. Overall, the uncertainty was related to the inability to verify during the design phase the appropriate strength of the structure to withstand the acoustic pressure of a launch sequence.

Space Structures was the first ESI customer to successfully perform a boundary element method (BEM) model with more than 250,000 nodes, which was a landmark achievement unthinkable in the industry just 10 short years ago. In addition, Space Structures was able to predict interlayer stresses of carbon fiber composites, and meet design targets by reinforcing sandwich composite parts subject to high acoustic loading. By adopting the simulation tool, they have expanded their business and now have a customer service department that conducts analytical verification and design optimization of spacecraft structures, including vibro-acoustic simulation. The company realized a high return on investment and saw rising levels of customer satisfaction. Moving forward, Space Structures intends to continue improving design structures for all acoustic noise environments.

If you are interested, I invite you to watch our webinar series on Space here.

Especially, don't miss Webinar #4 entitled Efficiently predict and avoid damaging structural vibrations with fast modal extraction
Webinar #5 about Crash, Impact and Shock Analysis of Aerospace Structures
and Webinar #7 on Structural Integrity and Acoustic Qualification of Space Hardware

It's available on demand, so you can watch in your own time, and if you have questions, we will be happy to answer them.
Just hit the Contact Us button at the top of the page.