A travelling wave approach to the dynamic analysis of large space structures

This paper investigates the dynamic analysis of certain large space structures via travelling wave mathematics. It is assumed that large space structures may be modelled as networks of interconnected one-dimensional structural members. Bodies with a finite number of internal dynamic degrees of freedom may be scattered throughout the network. The wave propagation behavior of one-dimensional continuous and periodic structural elements is investigated. A scattering matrix description of junctions and discontinuities is proposed. A time domain method of calculating network transient response using the wave propagation characteristics of the elements is briefly described.