Structural evaluations and dynamic testing of solar electric propulsion components.

Results of an experimental and analytical study of selected Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) thrust subsystem components are presented. A mass and center-of-mass mockup of an experimental power conditioning (PC) panel was used for the PC structure evaluation. Test environment was based on that specified for prooftesting the Viking spacecraft electronics. Modal frequencies were surveyed over the range of 0-2000 Hz using both conventional test equipment and the holographic interferometry technique. Results of the forced vibration tests point to the need for some additional stiffening to make the structure qualifiable.