Prediction of equivalent static loads act on a micro satellite via modal analysis

In this research, the influences of modal properties of a micro cubic satellite on equivalent static loads (due to combination of quasi-static and dynamic loads during launch time) have been studied. The study shows that the magnitude of equivalent static loads can be affected by satellite effective modes and effective mass distribution along natural frequencies. Besides, when to distinct launchers with different dynamic environments candidate for launch, analytical results illustrate that sometimes the equivalent static combined load value can be higher for the launcher with smaller quasi-static loads. This phenomenon is due to effective modal mass distribution of the satellite. Consequently, a higher combined load may be occurred during launch for smaller quasi-static conditions. Furthermore, in separation phase of satellite from the launcher, the satellite modal parameters influence the magnitude of applied shock load in both axial (launch) and lateral directions, importantly. Thus the present study yields reliable input values for separation shock test which considers dynamic properties of the satellite in comparison with some standards and launcher manuals, suggest a rough estimation of shock load, neglecting the satellite structure dynamic behavior.