Analysis Tool For Launch-Induced Forcing Functions On Spacecraft Surfaces

The proposed innovative analysis tool is driven by the need to integrate both analytical and experimental techniques when performing an experiment of spacecraft launch. When available, this tool provides an acoustic engineer access to both the experimental data being measured and analytical predictions that are derived from empirical models and a database. Thus, the proposed tool takes advantage of an existing database that includes pertinent extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) data. As data are being recorded, the tool generates acoustic spectra at locations that are not part of the experimental setup to provide in-situ prediction. Furthermore, this high-level analysis tool improves the quality of the experimental data by detecting potential problems as the data is being taken; hence, the engineer can intervene in the process to eliminate anomalies or improve results. The analytical prediction tool, once calibrated, can be used to predict acoustic spectra during launch at various locations on and around the spacecraft. These acoustic load predictions can then be used for structural dynamic analysis. The proposed tool incorporates several input parameters that an analyst can change to simulate or eliminate perturbations in the experimental conditions. This flexibility helps determine the sensitivity of the measured experimental results to various parameters.