Comparison between finite element calculations and holographic interferometry measurements, of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of satellite structures in composite materials

in Zhang, G.; Kip, D.; Nolte, D. (Eds.) et al Photorefractive Effects, Materials, and Devices (2005, July)

The stability requirements for the satellite structures evolve increasingly. To predict this one during the design phase a more and more used tool is the finite element calculation of thermo-elastic ... [more ▼]

The stability requirements for the satellite structures evolve increasingly. To predict this one during the design phase a more and more used tool is the finite element calculation of thermo-elastic models. The verification by measurement of these predictions on operational systems or testing rods is a key element allowing to validate these calculations and also to improve the simulations in order to study more complex cases in a reliable manner. We present the results of such a comparative study carried out on prototype structures using dynamic holographic interferometry, based on a sillenite photorefractive crystal, to measure the thermo-mechanical behavior [less ▲]