Design and Analysis of a Box-Panel Structural System for Microsatellites
Автор: Zhenqian Liu Liu
Соавторы: Zhenqian Liu, Liwei Luo, Wei Song
Организация: Harbin Institute of Technology
This study investigates the structural subsystem of a microsatellite under development by the HIT Lilac Student Team, encompassing both design formulation and mechanical performance assessment. A survey of recent global advancements in micro-/nanosatellites for commercial space applications and workforce development underscores their efficacy as platforms for training advanced aerospace engineers. A standardized box-panel configuration is proposed, payload accommodation is finalized, and three alternative stiffening schemes for the primary structure are developed. Subsequently, a full-scale three-dimensional finite-element (FE) model is constructed utilizing tetrahedral solid elements, with bolted joints idealized via rigid-body- element (RBE) connectors. Comprehensive modal, frequency-response, random-vibration, and quasi-static load analyses are conducted for each stiffening configuration. Results indicate that Scheme 3 achieves the highest global stiffness and exhibits satisfactory performance under low-frequency sinusoidal vibration and quasi-static acceleration overload conditions. However, elevated random-vibration responses necessitate additional mitigation measures for several payloads. Finally, the feasibility of substituting the aluminium-alloy primary structure with a magnesium-alloy counterpart is evaluated. Comparative analysis demonstrates that the magnesium-alloy iteration of Scheme 3 achieves an approximately 0.33 reduction in structural mass. While this substitution concurrently lowers the fundamental natural frequency and random-vibration response amplitudes, the overall performance validates its adoption as the final design. The systematic methodology and performance-evaluation framework presented establish a rigorous reference for microsatellite structural design, providing actionable guidance for enhancing engineering capability and informing future optimization efforts.
