STRUCTURAL AND VIBRO-ACOUSTIC ANALYSES OF A SPACE CAPSULE

Rakhesh G. B, B. Balakrishnan, S. Raja, K. Badari Narayana

Abstract: In the present numerical study, manned space capsule is designed and conceptualized for gravitational and acoustic loads. The preliminary study involves design, CAD model building, developing of finite element model and simulation of gravity and acoustic loads. Use of advanced materials in the design paved way for optimized weight. The dynamics of the capsule is obtained from the numerical analysis to ascertain the frequency and mode shape of both the structure and the fluid cavity. The stresses and displacement obtained in the static analysis qualified the model for stress clearance. Fluid structure interaction (FSI) study on the capsule highlighted the critical modes and frequencies of interest. Sound pressure level (SPL) and sound pressure inside the capsule is obtained for the external acoustic loads. The variation of SPL with respect to frequency inside the space capsule is plotted. The study helps in understanding the preliminary design requirements in developing a space capsule.

Keywords: Space capsule, Sound pressure level (SPL), Fluid structure interaction(FSI), Vibro-acoustic

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2016.0525018