Vibrations: Harbinger 3U CubeSat Analysis

Project Overview

In this Project, I Performed a Detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using Simcenter Femap with Nastran on the Harbinger 3U CubeSat I am working on for my Capstone Project (weighing approximately 7.4 lbs) to Identify Critical Mode Shapes and Verify Compliance with NASA’s Requirement to Capture at Least 90% of the Total Assembly Mass. The Model Contained over 5,000 Nodes and 30,000 Degrees of Freedom, with Boundary Conditions set at the Rail-End Faces to Mimic Deployer Interfaces. Modal Analyses Spanned Lateral and Axial Modes, Capturing Resonance Frequencies (T1, T2, T3) and Evaluating 3σ Acceleration Responses at 2% Damping to Ensure Reliable Performance under Rocket Launch Conditions.

Key Contributions & Responsibilities

• Constructed an FEA Model using the CAD Model to Accurately Represent the CubeSat’s Frame, Platforms, and PCBs.
• Performed Modal Analysis to Identify Lateral and Axial Frequencies, Including the First Three Modes (T1, T2, T3) and their Associated Mass Fractions.
• Analyzed 3σ Acceleration Responses (up to 2% damping) for Critical Components such as the Camera, Reaction Wheel, Star Tracker, Battery Board, and Control Board.
• Verified that ~90% of the Total Assembly Mass was Represented in the First Few Modes, Meeting NASA’s Guideline for Small Satellite Structural Analysis.

Skills

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Constructed High-Fidelity Models with Thousands of Nodes and DOF for Modal and Vibration Studies.
• Modal & Structural Dynamics: Evaluated Lateral and Axial Modes, Resonance Frequencies, and Damping Effects for CubeSat Structures.
• Data Interpretation & Validation: Compared Simulation Results with NASA Requirements, Ensuring Proper Mass Representation and Safe Transient & Dynamic Responses.

Outcome

Through Comprehensive Modal and Vibration Analyses, the CubeSat’s Critical Components Demonstrated Robust Performance under Simulated Launch Conditions. Ensuring that Nearly 90% of the Total Assembly Mass was Captured, while the 3σ Acceleration Evaluations Provided Actionable Insights to Reduce the Risk of Resonance-Induced Damage. Overall, this Analysis Enabled Confident Structural Stability and Compliance with NASA’s Small Satellite Guidelines.