The structural analysis of AlainSat-1: An earth observation 3U CubeSat

Abstract

This paper presents the structural analysis of a remote sensing CubeSat planned for launch in Q4 2022. AlainSat-1 is a collaborative endeavour between the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society and the National Space Science and Technology Center at United Arab Emirates University. To ensure that the conceptual design of the satellite satisfies design requirements Quasi-Static Analysis, Modal Analysis and Random Vibration Analysis are conducted using SIEMENS NX. These analyses identify the satellite’s fundamental frequencies along with measuring the resulting deformations and stresses it experiences as a response to both the static and dynamic loads exerted by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Modal Analysis results show that the satellite’s lowest fundamental frequency 120.405Hz, complies with standards set by the QB50 Project and both Quasi-Static and Random Vibration analysis indicated that stress values are within safe limits. Issues detected during the various phases of the analyses such as occurrence of unusually high concentrated stresses and discrepancies between different element stress results are highlighted and the subsequent approach towards overcoming them are explained. Future work will involve validating obtained results experimentally using a vibration shaker test equipment on the actual AlainSat-1 structure.