Vibration of a Satellite Structure with Composite Lattice Truss Core Sandwich Panels

Composite materials are widely employed in spacecraft, aiming at increasing mass savings and load bearing capacities. Due to the excellent static and dynamic performance, lattice truss core sandwich structures have become one alternative of satellite structure materials. In addition, the dramatic potentials of multifunctional integration accelerate development of new spacecraft technology. In this investigation, a novel satellite structure concept with composite lattice truss core sandwich panels is proposed. A series of vibration tests and a finite element analysis campaign are conducted to determine the dynamic responses of the satellite structure. The developed finite element models provide a feasible numerical analytical scheme to address the vibration performance and structural integrity inspection. And the current satellite structure prototype demonstrates outstanding prospects of significant mass reduction and rapid assembly process.