The Naval Postgraduate School's (NPS) Space Systems Academic Group is developing the Petite Amateur Navy Satellite (PANSAT), a small satellite for digitalstore-and-forward communication in the amateur frequency band. This thesis describesthe design and the analysis of the communication payload housing of PANSAT.The payload consists of four circuit boards. The main challenge is to provideenough stiffness and minimize electromagnetic interference within the small amount ofspace determined by other parts surrounding the housing. The design of this particularhousing is especially demanding and requires paying a lot of attention to details. Manyfactors, including launch loads, board weight, component size, orientation, and mountingmust be considered.A particular aspect of this housing is the fact that there are an unusual number ofelectrical connectors involved in this design. Complicating this issue is the extremephysical constraint imposed by the configuration of the satellite.The structure as well as the boards are analyzed using classical hand calculation methodsand more sophisticated methods, using SDRC® I-DEAS design software. In addition, afinite element analyses is performed using the I-DEAS finite element application whichallows to model all structures in great detail mathematically. It also permits to examinethe behavior of these structures under all possible load conditions, static as well asdynamic. Another important aspect of this design is to guarantee manufacturability. Thecomplexity of this housing makes it mandatory that the design be carried out in closecooperation with the machinist who is responsible for the actual manufacturing of theseparts.The analysis results show that the structure of the housing is very robust and most likelywill accommodate all the requirements.
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