Adaptive structures in spaceFuture NASA missions will need large (20 to 100m) structural systems with precision position (few microns to submicron) requirements. Data are presented which indicate the technology deficiencies of previous programs and analyses in current state-of-the-art structural design approaches, analytical prediction capabilities, control of structure capabilities, and ground test technologies to meet the performance requirements of future large precision structural systems. Test results on laboratory truss structures that demonstrate static displacement control, active damping, and on-orbit system identification are described. It is shown that for large precision structures, adaptive structures provide not only a means to achieve the precision and characteristics required in space, but can also significantly alleviate the ground test requirements for flight-validating the hardware.
Document ID
19910036587
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wada, B. K. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Fanson, J. L. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Chen, G. S. (Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)