Modal analysis in a 2U cubesat structure

Abstract

The miniaturization of satellites has helped students practice their knowledge and build a real satellite. Many universities have turned to this study, as other private and important institutions. The CubeSat standard gives a set of specifications to developers and defines a cubic picosatellite with less than 1.33kg. The vibration tests are some set of important tests to improve a satellite structure safety. Also, before doing vibration tests, FEM analysis is largely used to analysis the CAD model, before built the satellite. In this work is aimed make some modal analysis in an ordinary structure developed. The results can be applied in a real CubeSat that is going to be developed and later withstand the vibration tests in the Mechanical Vibration and Acoustics Laboratory of Federal University of Ceará. It was made modal analysis varying the load conditions and putting a circuit plate. In addition, it was also made harmonic analysis evaluating slack in the CubeSat’s feet. Some changes in the mode shape were found in the presence of the circuit plate, and principally with slacking in the feet. There are mode shapes that all the deformation concentrates in the circuit plate, this natural frequency may damage the circuit. The results and observations will help in future analysis and tests.