CLOSED LOOP CONTROL RE-DEFINED: TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS BOOST PRODUCTIVITY IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL LABS

摘要

The qualification process of a space hardware for structural integrity and launch-environmentrnsurvivability consists of 2 phases which involve testing on physical hardware: the modal survey (orrnmodal identification) test and the vibration (qualification) test. The modal survey test (MST) is a MIMOrntest with small shakers exciting the structure. The aim of the test is to obtain an accurate modal model,rnwhich can be used to validate the FE model. This validated (updated) model is then used to predict thernexpected response levels during the next test: the qualification test. The vibration qualification test isrnperformed on a large ED shaker with a closed loop control system, usually in swept sine mode wherernsafety is of extreme importance. During such a vibration qualification test it is important to measure asrnmany channels as possible to allow an accurate crosscheck with the FE model.rnThis paper describes the architecture of a new system for high channel count on-line estimationrnof swept sine signals. First the algorithms used for vibration control are reviewed. Next, the hard- andrnsoftware components are discussed. Several new technologies are implemented, all centered on the samerndesign targets: productivity and safety. This leads to a system in which there is virtually no trade-offrnbetween channel count and performance. A couple of innovations in hardware technology are discussedrnin detail. This paper can be seen as complementary to reference [5]