Flexure fixture for dynamic loading modal surveys of test articles

摘要

A modal survey flexure fixture of designed to be soft laterally and stiff axially to simulate the same behavior of space shuttle flight latches which support shuttle payloads for payload modal survey verification, qualification and test. The device consists of three major components: an A-Frame which supports flexure rods attached to a trunnion clamp. Flexure rods made of stainless steel with a partially reduced cross section at both ends increase the lateral flexibility for simulating flight conditions. The trunnion clamp is a unique design which takes into account payload integration with the test fixture. The trunnion clamp can be split into upper and lower portions. During the modal survey the lower trunnion clamp acts initially as a place holder for payload installation and alignment. After payload installation and alignment the lower trunnion clamp is combined with the upper trunnion clamp to complete the test fixture configuration.