A note on boundary-condition simulation in the dynamic testing of spacecraft structures

Spacecraft structures tested by sine-sweep vibration in boundary-condition simulatio

Experimental determination of the principal moments of inertia of the Helios prototype spacecraft

The moment of inertia of the Helios Spacecraft about its spin axis was determined by use of a roll-fixture using two sets of crossed flexure pivots as elastic constraints. The test procedure entailed measurement of a system oscillation period with each of a set of added moment-of-inertia increments. The tare effect of the fixture was determined by a like process and was subtracted from the gross value to yield the spacecraft roll moment of inertia to an estimated accuracy of 0.2%. Lateral moments of inertia (i.e., about each of three axes normal to the spin axis) were determined by a gravity pendulum method that makes use of the fact that any physical pendulum has a minimum period of oscillation determined by a particular distance from the axis of rotation to the system center of gravity

Fluid dynamics test method

Test method and apparatus determine fluid effective mass and damping in frequency range where effective mass may be considered as total mass less sum of slosh masses. Apparatus is designed so test tank and its mounting yoke are supported from structural test wall by series of flexures

OGO-E space vehicle response to transient loading at Atlas booster engine cutoff

Computer program for OGO-E vehicle response analysis to transient loading during Atlas booster burnou

Use of derived forcing functions at Centaur main engine cutoff in predicting transient loads on Mariner Mars 1971 and Viking spacecraft

Mathematical models for prediction of acceleration responses and reaction forces and moments at base of Mariner Mars 71 and Viking spacecraft from Centaur main engine cutof

Computation of torsional vibration modes of Ranger and Surveyor space vehicles

Mathematical model for calculating free torsion modes of Atlas Agena Ranger and Atlas Centaur Surveyor spacecraft