I have seen many test campaign for Cubesats and many different launch requirements regarding mechanical testing, but seems like quasi-static loading is it not really mandatory and not really popular test. This is a bit weird since Cubesats are growing in complexity regarding deployable structures.
Is there anyone around to have a good reason to discard quasi-static load as an important test for Cubesat?
Good morning, Thanks Madam. My area of research is bevel gears and spiral bevel gears strength and dynamics
I agree. In general with very simple ones it is not necessary, but with increasing complexity I would rethink it.
Actually I cannot imagine that quasi-static load e.g. 20g will make some structural changes to cubesat that is able successfully survive qualification random vibration test (e.g. 14g-RMS, 180 seconds per axis). The random vibration test is much much harder load to the structures than quasi-static load. So I mean that quasi static load test has very low added value. (Static overload is critical issue for human flights - we are sensitive...:-)
Dear all, thanks for your feedback, it is appreciated.
Regarding your answer @Jan Balaz, I was mainly thinking about added value to make such a test, I can imagine Cubesats can gather some interesting information coming from such a test, this info might help them for further improvements.
Of course random tests are more requiring from the structural point of view, and of course more representative to the actual flight environment.
I guess it is not only a matter whether a Cubesat can withstand the level and the tests, it is also a matter if they will benefit in some way from the results.
Cubesat is normally launched in closed launch adapter with power disabled and with the deployable items mechanically latched. Only in this configuration the static load (acceleration) is applied during the rocket launch (of course, in the superposition with the vibration load). The deployable items are only unlatched after the release the cubesat from the launch adapter. And this will happen in gravity-zero condition. But maybe I am not informed well: Are there some cases where cubesat is powered already during the launch and recording some housekeeping information (e.g. accelerations ?)
Among other requirements, Cubesats are meant to remain off during the launch phase, so you're right Jan, there should not be any kind of housekeeping collected during this phase. Which is a real pity, it might provide some useful information to the teams during this stage.
You also got a nice point regarding the static loads, deployment systems are gathering attention and certainly we will see more of these systems coming from the Cubesats. It might be worth to check whether the Cubesat can really hold its deployment structure. According to the latest revision of the Cubesat standard, it is the Cubesat who should hold its deployment system and not the launch adapter, so you need to provide evidence that your deployment system will remain 'folded' when you are being ejected.
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