Sine sweep and steady-state response of simplified solar array models with nonlinear elements

In this paper the nonlinear dynamic behaviour of two simplified solar array systems is investigated experimentally and numerically. A simplified beam model supported by one snubber (a bilinear spring which can only take compressive forces) is used to investigate the dynamics of the extension arm on the onset of gapping. A dual plate model is used to investigate the dynamics of two folded solar array panels, which are separated by two snubbers. The number of degrees of freedom of the linear part of the numerical models is reduced using a component mode synthesis technique. The systems show rich nonlinear dynamic behaviour: hysteresis loops, cyclic fold and secondary Hopf bifurcations, quasi-periodic, subharmonic and chaotic solutions, superharmonic resonances, etcetera. Good correspondence between numerical and experimental results is obtained. The insight in the nonlinear dynamic behaviour of solar array panels has been increased considerably thanks to the studies presented in this paper.