Parallel Load-Bearing and Damping System Design and Test for Satellite Vibration Suppression

Abstract

The traditional series-type satellite vibration suppression scheme significantly decreases satellite frequency, which leads to difficulty in controlling the amplitude. In the present work, a new parallel viscous damping scheme is adopted on the Payload Adaptor Fitting (PAF), which aims to integrate a load-bearing design and vibration reduction. The vibration amplitude and weight are the most important design requirements of the damping system. The Finite Element (FE) model of PAF was established. Through a series of analyses, the appropriate number and coefficient of dampers were determined. The damping force was calculated according to the damping coefficient and the relative velocity between the two ends of the damper. Based on the damping force and the installation dimensions, the damping rod was designed. The force–velocity test was carried out on the damping rod prototype, which showed its performance satisfies the requirements. With the topology optimization and sizing optimization technology, the light-weight supports were designed and manufactured. One damping rod and two supports were assembled as one set of dampers. Eight sets of dampers were installed on the PAF. Vibration tests were conducted on the damping state PAF. The results showed that the proposed system is effective at suppressing vibration and maintaining stiffness simultaneously.