Nonparametric subspace identification of nonlinear structures - Application to a spacecraft

in Proceedings of the 54th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference (2013, April)

The objective of the present paper is to address the identification of a strongly nonlinear satellite structure by exploiting a new nonlinear subspace identification method formulated in the frequency ... [more ▼]

The objective of the present paper is to address the identification of a strongly nonlinear satellite structure by exploiting a new nonlinear subspace identification method formulated in the frequency domain, referred to as the FNSI method. The modal parameters of the underlying linear structure and the coefficients of the nonlinear internal forces will be estimated by this approach. Moreover, because a priori knowledge about nonlinear behaviour may be limited, the paper also proposes a nonparametric spline-based modelling strategy, encapsulated in the FNSI method. The application of interest is the SmallSat spacecraft developed by EADS-Astrium, which possesses an impact-type nonlinear device consisting of eight mechanical stops limiting the motion of an inertia wheel mounted on an elastomeric interface. [less ▲]

Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Aerospace Structures

Conference (2012, October)

Current practice in industry is to rely on linear finite element simulations. However, nonlinearity is a frequent occurrence in engineering structures. It is at the origin of rich and complex dynamical ... [more ▼]

Current practice in industry is to rely on linear finite element simulations. However, nonlinearity is a frequent occurrence in engineering structures. It is at the origin of rich and complex dynamical phenomena that cannot be observed in linear structures. Solving both the direct and inverse problems in nonlinear structural dynamics therefore warrants the development of appropriate methodologies. The focus of the presentation will first be on the inverse problem. We will describe the different steps of the nonlinear system identification process and discuss the current capabilities of existing methods. The presentation will then address the direct problem during which the identified model is used for accurately predicting the structure’s dynamic characteristics. A rigorous nonlinear extension of modal analysis will be presented, and we will show that it represents a very useful framework for understanding nonlinear dynamical phenomena and supporting design decisions. Two real-life aerospace structures will be considered for illustrating the proposed developments. [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 ▲]

Nonlinear Modal Analysis of the SmallSat Spacecraft

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

Non-linear elements are present in practically all spacecraft structures. When such non-linear effects are important linear modal analysis can no longer be applied. The development of a non-linear ... [more ▼]

Non-linear elements are present in practically all spacecraft structures. When such non-linear effects are important linear modal analysis can no longer be applied. The development of a non-linear analogue of linear modal analysis is therefore an important endeavor. The objective of this paper is to show that nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) represent a useful and practical tool in this context. A full-scale spacecraft structure is considered and is modeled using the finite element method. Its NNMs are computed using advanced numerical algorithms, and the resulting dynamics is then carefully analyzed. Nonlinear phenomena with no linear counterpart including nonlinear modal interactions are also highlighted. [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 ▲]

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 ▲]

Contract 21539/08/NL/SFe - Advancement of mechanical verification methods for non-linear spacecraft: Nonlinearity identification methods: predictive analyses

Report (2010)

The objective of this technical note is to explore the applicability of nonlinear system identification techniques to spacecraft structures. To this end, numerical experiments carried out using the finite ... [more ▼]

The objective of this technical note is to explore the applicability of nonlinear system identification techniques to spacecraft structures. To this end, numerical experiments carried out using the finite element model of the SmallSat spacecraft are used, without, however, having access to the model itself. The constraints imposed by the considered techniques for breadboard testing are also highlighted. [less ▲]