Adaptive structures for precision controlled large space systems

Abstract

The development of adaptive structural systems is reviewed and the potential of these systems in meeting some of the requirements for NASA future space missions is demonstrated. Particular attention is given to the characteristics of a viscous damper in the micron displacement regime; the optimal placement of active and passive members into a truss structure; a system identification test using the active members as excitation sources; a concept for deforming a lightweight composite honeycomb optical panel to correct for on-orbit distortions by using piezoelectric actuators attached to the back facesheet; and the results of an active member vibration control experiment in a reduced gravity environment.