Scale Model Testing for Control System Parameters of Large Structures

摘要

The premise is made that as an alternate to or enhancement to finite element analysis of a large complex structure, scale model tests can provide useful parameters for control system design. The objective is to minimize risks associated with expensive construction of large complex space structures by better predictions of the associated structural dynamics. This report covers construction of scale models, and comparison of scale model parameters to the full-size structure. A comparison of the results obtained for three scale models yields general relationships that can be applied to future large complex structure development and to a conclusion that structural characteristics pertaining to control system parameters can be determined from scale model tests.