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Development of Multi-Physics Dynamics Models for High-Frequency Large-Amplitude Structural Response Simulation

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Abstract

An analytic approach is demonstrated to reveal potential pyroshock-driven dynamic effects causing temporary power losses in the Thermo-Electric (TE) module bars of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG). This study utilizes high-fidelity finite element analysis with SIERRA/PRESTO codes to estimate wave propagation effects due to large-amplitude suddenly-applied pyroshock loads in the MMRTG. A high fidelity model of the TE module bar was created with ∼30 million degrees-of-freedom (DOF). First, a quasi-static preload was applied on top of the TE module bar, then transient tri-axial displacement inputs were simultaneously applied on the preloaded module. The applied displacement inputs were derived from measured acceleration signals during MMRTG shock qualification tests performed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. An explicit finite element solver in the SIERRA/PRESTO computational environment, along with a 3000 processor parallel super-computing framework at NASA-AMES, was used for the simulation. The simulation results were investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. The predicted shock wave propagation results provide detailed structural responses throughout the TE module bar, and key insights into the dynamic response (i.e., loads, displacements, accelerations) of critical internal spring/piston compression systems, TE materials, and internal component interfaces in the MMRTG TE module bar. They also provide confidence on the viability of this high-fidelity modeling scheme to accurately predict shock wave propagation patterns within complex structures. This analytic approach is envisioned for modeling shock sensitive hardware susceptible to intense shock environments positioned near shock separation devices in modern space vehicles and systems.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank June Zakrajsek, NASA-Glenn Research Center, RPS Program Planning & Assessment Manager, and Dave Woerner, NASA-Jet Propulsion Laboratory, RTG Integration Manager, RPS Program. The research was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

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Correspondence to Armen Derkevorkian .

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© 2016 The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc.

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Derkevorkian, A., Peterson, L., Kolaini, A.R., Hendricks, T.J., Nesmith, B.J. (2016). Development of Multi-Physics Dynamics Models for High-Frequency Large-Amplitude Structural Response Simulation. In: Di Miao, D., Tarazaga, P., Castellini, P. (eds) Special Topics in Structural Dynamics, Volume 6. Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29910-5_26

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29910-5_26

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-29910-5

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