Dynamic Characteristics of Satellite Solar Arrays under the Deployment Shock in Orbit

Abstract

Understanding the dynamic characteristics of solar arrays is important for satellite structural design and attitude control design. Considerable theoretical researches have been carried out towards this problem, but they have not been supported by actual orbit data from outer space yet. In this paper, the on-orbit vibration characteristic data of solar arrays under the deployment shock are measured by using vibration measurement apparatuses based on structural strain. With these valuable experimental data, more eigenfrequencies of the solar arrays in the microgravity environment are obtained, and the prediction that the vibration of solar arrays will have larger amplitude and longer decay time under vacuum conditions is verified. Moreover, by comparing the eigenfrequency of main vibration under the space condition with that under the ground condition, the accurate value of the system damping ratio is gained, which has an important guideline significant for the structural design of solar arrays.