Frequency-domain subspace identification of nonlinear mechanical systems

in Proceedings of the 5th International Operational Modal Analysis Conference (2013, May)

The objective of the present paper is to address the identification of a real-life strongly nonlinear space structure, the EADS-Astrium SmallSat spacecraft. To this end, a new nonlinear subspace ... [more ▼]

The objective of the present paper is to address the identification of a real-life strongly nonlinear space structure, the EADS-Astrium SmallSat spacecraft. To this end, a new nonlinear subspace identification method formulated in the frequency domain is exploited, referred to as the FNSI method. The frequency response functions of the underlying linear spacecraft and the amplitudes of the nonlinear internal forces are estimated based on a periodic-random data set corrupted by noise. This application is challenging for several reasons, including high modal density, highly non-proportional damping and the non-smooth nature of the nonlinearities. [less ▲]

Scientific and Technological Payloads Aboard the B3LSat CubeSat of the QB50 Network

in Proceedings of the 2nd IAA Conference on University Satellite Missions and Cubesat Workshop (2013)

Nonlinear Normal Modes of Nonconservative Systems

in Proceedings of the SEM IMAC XXXI Conference (2013)

Linear modal analysis is a mature tool enjoying various applications ranging from bridges to satellites. Nevertheless, modal analysis fails in the presence of nonlinear dynamical phenomena and the ... [more ▼]

Linear modal analysis is a mature tool enjoying various applications ranging from bridges to satellites. Nevertheless, modal analysis fails in the presence of nonlinear dynamical phenomena and the development of a practical nonlinear analog of modal analysis is a current research topic. Recently, numerical techniques (e.g., harmonic balance, continuation of periodic solutions) were developed for the computation of nonlinear normal modes (NNMs). Because these methods are limited to conservative systems, the present study targets the computation of NNMs for nonconservative systems. Their definition as invariant manifolds in phase space is considered. Specifically, a new finite element technique is proposed to solve the set of partial differential equations governing the manifold geometry. [less ▲]

The OUFTI-1 nanosatellite system in mid-2012: architectures of ground and space segments

Conference (2012, September)

We describe the current status of the OUFTI-1 nanosatellite project, the main payload of which is an innovative D- STAR radiocommunication system. We describe the architectures of the ground and space ... [more ▼]

We describe the current status of the OUFTI-1 nanosatellite project, the main payload of which is an innovative D- STAR radiocommunication system. We describe the architectures of the ground and space segments. [less ▲]

Finite element computation of nonlinear normal modes of nonconservative systems

in Proceedings of the ISMA 2012 conference (2012, September)

Modal analysis, i.e., the computation of vibration modes of linear systems, is really quite sophisticated and advanced. Even though modal analysis served, and is still serving, the structural dynamics ... [more ▼]

Modal analysis, i.e., the computation of vibration modes of linear systems, is really quite sophisticated and advanced. Even though modal analysis served, and is still serving, the structural dynamics community for applications ranging from bridges to satellites, it is commonly accepted that nonlinearity is a frequent occurrence in engineering structures. Because modal analysis fails in the presence of nonlinear dynamical phenomena, the development of a practical nonlinear analog of modal analysis is the objective of this research. Progress in this direction has been made recently with the development of numerical techniques (harmonic balance, continuation of periodic solutions) for the computation of nonlinear normal modes (NNMs). Because these methods consider the conservative system, this study targets the computation of NNMs for nonconservative systems, i.e. defined as invariant manifolds in phase space. Specifically, a new finite element technique is proposed to solve the set of partial differential equations governing the manifold geometry. The algorithm is demonstrated using different two-degree-of-freedom systems. [less ▲]

Low-order local modelling of structural nonlinearities

in Proceedings of the XVIIIth Symposium on Vibrations, shocks and noise (VCB 2012) (2012, July)

The present paper addresses the problem of characterising structural nonlinearities in view of system identification. A low-order local modelling strategy is proposed and encapsulated in a recently ... [more ▼]

The present paper addresses the problem of characterising structural nonlinearities in view of system identification. A low-order local modelling strategy is proposed and encapsulated in a recently-introduced frequency-domain nonlinear subspace method for the estimation of model parameters. The complete methodology is first demonstrated using two academic examples, namely a Duffing oscillator and a five-degree-of-freedom system comprising two nonlinearities. The identification of an experimental beam involving nonlinear geometrical behaviour is finally addressed. [less ▲]

Experimental identification of a nonlinear space structure

in Proceedings of the 12th European Conference on Spacecraft Structures, Materials and Environmental Testing (2012, March)

The present paper addresses the experimental identification of a nonlinear space structure, the SmallSat spacecraft developed by EADS-Astrium. The nonlinear component comprises an inertia wheel mounted on ... [more ▼]

The present paper addresses the experimental identification of a nonlinear space structure, the SmallSat spacecraft developed by EADS-Astrium. The nonlinear component comprises an inertia wheel mounted on a support, the motion of which is constrained by eight elastomer plots and mechanical stops. Robust techniques are applied to measured data to detect, characterise and quantify nonlinear behaviour. [less ▲]

Contract 21539/08/NL/SFe - Advancement of mechanical verification methods for non-linear spacecraft: Nonlinear identification using a subspace-based method in the frequency domain

Report (2012)

The objective of this technical note is to explore the applicability of a newly introduced nonlinear system identification technique to spacecraft structures. To this end, numerical experiments are ... [more ▼]

The objective of this technical note is to explore the applicability of a newly introduced nonlinear system identification technique to spacecraft structures. To this end, numerical experiments are conducted using a finite element model of the SmallSat spacecraft. A detailed introduction to the method, referred to as the frequency-domain nonlinear subspace identification (FNSI) method, is provided and its major assets are commented. Random-type and sine-sweep excitations are considered and identification results are extensively discussed. [less ▲]

Identifying and computing nonlinear normal modes

in Proceedings of the SEM IMAC XXX Conference (2012, February)

Non linear normal modes offer a rigorous framework, both mathematical and physical, for theoretical and experimental dynamical analysis. Albeit still in its infancy, the concept of non linear normal modes ... [more ▼]

Non linear normal modes offer a rigorous framework, both mathematical and physical, for theoretical and experimental dynamical analysis. Albeit still in its infancy, the concept of non linear normal modes has the potential of providing to both the academic and the industrial establishment a powerful tool for the analysis of non linear dynamical systems. However, in order to exploit the full potential of this theory (and its associated simulation capability), there is need to integrate it with other branches of non linear structural dynamics: namely, in order for the non linear normal modes of a real - physical - structure to be computed, there is need to identify and quantify its non linearity. In this paper, an identification method based on the measured Frequency Response Function (FRF) is employed to identify and quantify the system's non linearity before computing the system's non linear normal modes. [less ▲]

Application of the restoring force surface method to a real-life spacecraft structure

in Proceedings of the International Modal Analysis Conference (IMAC) XXX (2012, January)

Many nonlinear system identification methods have been introduced in the technical literature during the last thirty years. However, few of these methods were applied to real-life structures. In this ... [more ▼]

Many nonlinear system identification methods have been introduced in the technical literature during the last thirty years. However, few of these methods were applied to real-life structures. In this context, the objective of the present paper is to demonstrate that the Restoring Force Surface (RFS) method can provide a reliable identification of a nonlinear spacecraft structure. The nonlinear component comprises an inertia wheel mounted on a support, the motion of which is constrained by eight elastomer plots and mechanical stops. Several adaptations to the RFS method are proposed, which include the elimination of kinematic constraints and the regularization of ill-conditioned inverse problems. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using numerical data. [less ▲]