Acoustic vibration environment prediction for Amazonia 1 satellite using SEA method

Resumo

The dynamic vibration environment applied to a satellite during its launch is predominantly acoustic.
Therefore, the prediction of acoustic levels and the satellite and its onboard equipment vibroacoustic responses
are mandatory in all project phases. In this sense, one of the most important tests to qualify a satellite for flight is
the acoustic vibration test, whose levels are usually specified by launcher vehicle manufacturer. In the first
phases of a project, several viability studies may be running simultaneously and important changes in structure
design and even in concept can occur. Thus, a method that can produce analyses with low computational cost in
a short period of time and with a reasonable accuracy would simplify the development process and reduce its
costs. Usually, the acoustic analysis is performed by using the finite element method (FEM) for lower
frequencies and statistical energy analysis (SEA) for higher frequencies. The present work describes the use of
SEA method to perform the vibroacoustic analysis of Amazonia 1 satellite, a satellite developed by Instituto
Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). The numerical results are compared to acoustic tests results performed
at INPE on the satellite structural qualification model. Amazonia 1 is a remote sensing satellite designed by
INPE to provide images on green, red, blue and near infrared (NIR) bands with resolution better than 70m with
the goal to monitor forests, vegetation, agriculture, coasts, and others areas.