Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2713
Date of Award
12-2023
Degree Name
MS in Aerospace Engineering
Department/Program
Aerospace Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Kira Abercromby
Advisor Department
Aerospace Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
This thesis investigates the implementation of a passive isolator with a pressurized air cushion for spacecraft payloads in mission architectures implementing in-space assembly technologies. A pressurized air bed capable of briefly surviving the space environment for cargo delivery was prototyped and experimentally evaluated for launch vehicle vibration dynamics resulting in a 72%, 93%, and 88% reduction in experienced GRMS loads for the X-Axis, Y-Axis, and Z-Axis, respectively. A preliminary Total Mass Loss evaluation of the Low-Density Polyethylene Film utilized for the air bed resulted in a mass loss of 0.7%, indicating that commercial off-the-shelf films might require minimal modification for flight readiness. An analytical model of a planar rectangular payload experiencing free vibrations with a Winkler foundation is generated and compared to the experimental results, showing a potential way for characterizing and designing such a foundation to reduce experienced vibrations. These preliminary results show a potential path for a non-cost-prohibitive method for space payloads to reduce loads experienced during launch as inspired by the successful hosted payloads program aboard the International Space Station.