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m+p Acoustic Control
Acoustic testing of spacecraft components is a crucial step in ensuring the successful launch and operation of satellites and other spacecrafts. During launch, the high sound pressure levels inside the fairing can threaten the payload integrity. Acoustic testing helps to identify potential issues and identify weaknesses within components before the launch.
Most importantly, acoustic testing is mandatory for launch qualification, as it provides important data on the structural and environmental durability of spacecraft components.
Direct field acoustic testing is a specific type of acoustic testing used to evaluate the sound pressure levels experienced by spacecraft components during launch. It exposes components to a sound field generated by purpose-built speakers.
m+p Acoustic Control is the only system designed specifically for acoustic testing, ensuring accurate and safe test operation. The unchallenged control quality and speed originates from our direct octave band control approach, providing the fastest acoustic control response possible to meet specifications.
In our scientific paper at ECSSMET conference we focused on validating simulation results of a full DFAN testing setup through measurements.
A test panel typical for aerospace applications was subjected to the acoustic test, during a real DFAN test as well as a virtual, simulated test using WAVE6. The vibro-acoustic simulation suite WAVE6 from DASSAULT SYSTEMS exclusively models the NEUTRON system as readily available devices.
The biggest challenge for a high-quality sound field is creating high diffusivity. That is when the test article “sees” the same sound intensity from all directions. What often happens when using unfit control methods or running multiple speakers from the same source is visible in Figure 2, left. The pattern indicates alternating point of high and low sound intensity. Imagine what happens when a sensitive spacecraft part like a camera sits in a hotspot! In the worst case it gets severely damaged, just because an acoustic controller was used that drives multiple speakers from a single source. On the other hand, Figure 2, right, shows an even, diffuse sound field without major hotspots that results from powering every speaker from an individual source. A such designed sound field ensures safe and compliant testing.
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Figure 3 - Test panel |
Figure 4 - The direct comparison between simulation in red and measurement in grey shows good agreement |
A direct comparison between the measured structural vibration response of the test panel during the DFAN test and the simulations, Figure 4, shows that the integrated workflow of simulation, test and measurement yields convincing and plausible results.
Find more information on the many benefits and technical features of m+p Acoustic Control at Acoustic Control System.
If you are interested in the whole study, find here the paper for free.
