Numerical simulation of shock events and associated response of satellite

The paper presents CNES’ and Dynas+ partnership recent activities to improve shock events simulation and predict shock propagation in structures and equipment. The last activities presented here have been focused on shock test prediction by numerical analysis (i.e. virtual shock testing). The simulations were performed using LS-DYNA®, whereas the use of explicit non-linear computation codes is not common in the space industry to deal with spacecraft mechanical environments. Especially, the activities aimed at modelling physically the shock event generated by one of CNES’ pyrotechnic test device and to predict the acceleration levels generated by this source on the structural model of a microsatellite. To do so, multiple intermediate steps had to be studied, beginning by the modelling of a simple sphere impacting a plate. The model complexity increased progressively to reach the modelling of a satellite vibrations induced by shock sources. In order to assess model predictability, all the tests were performed at various shock energies and compared to experimental results. This paper will present the results and comparisons with experimental SRS (Shock Response Spectrum) obtained starting with “simple” cases up to cases integrating complex structures and shock sources.