AAS 95-374

Power Flow Finite Element Analysis of Flexible Space Structures

M. Smith and M. W. Chernuka, Martec Limited, Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

The very low natural frequencies and high modal densities of proposed large flexible space structures (LFSS) have stretched modal-based dynamic analysis and control methods to the limit. In this study, power flow finite element analysis (PFFEA), a predictive method in structural acoustics, is introduced as an alternative to the traditional FEA approach to LFSS. PFFEA and FEA methods are compared by investigating the response of a repetitive lattice truss structure to torsional disturbances. It is shown that passive damping treatments may be readily included in PFEE models.