TORQUE CHARACTERIZATION TEST AND SHOCK ANALYSIS OF HINGE MECHANISM DESIGNED FOR SMALL SATELLITES

Srinath.M.K

Abstract: Dynamic tests and shock analysis tests are the basic tests required for any mechanisms. The tests were carried out to study the hinge mechanism which was designed for small satellites. Such mechanisms can be used for the deployment of the solar panels, reflectors, antennas etc. The present hinge mechanism was designed for the deployment of solar panels. Dynamic test characterization of the hinge mechanism for different condition showed that there was almost no loss of deployable torque. The shock test gave a clear view of the latching characteristics. Also the deployment time was measured accurately which is not possible with standard methods since the value is very small in the order of a few mille-seconds. The deployment shock characteristic of this particular hinge mechanism could be clearly noticed with the shock test results which showed a drop in G force during latching of the flat spring

Keywords: SHOCK ANALYSIS , SATELLITES

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0521003