Multiple Boundary Condition Tests (MBCT) for verification of large space structures

Abstract

The Multiple Boundary Condition Tests (MBCT) approach is evaluated and recent modifications are described. For the application of MBCT, 12 different boundary conditions are selected and the results of applying MBCT in conjunction with a nonlinear formulation are indicated schematically. It is concluded that the nonlinear formulation enhances the ability to implement the MBCT test approach on large space structures which cannot be ground tested without the artificial boundary conditions incorporated in MBCT. In addition, it leads to significant improvements in the convergence to the correct solution.