New Progress in Dynamic Measurement of Space Based Membrane Structure
空间薄膜结构动态测试研究最新进展

Space membrane structure mainly made of membrane materials is a new kind of ultra large-scale lightweight structure and is used in new concept space-based structures such as large antenna, solar sail, solar energy concentrators etc. Its intrinsic characteristics are ultra-low natural frequency, dense modes, local modes, large deformation, high flexibility, low density, strong non-linear as well as bear capacity highly depended on internal pressure. Traditional experimental modal analysis method cannot meet the analysis requirement for this kind of structure. Moreover, these membrane structures are easily affected by added mass of air, earth's gravity, environmental temperature and humility in ground experimental analysis, which bring very difficult problems in dynamic analysis. In this paper, progress of new technology suitable for membrane structure, such as non-contact measuring methods, including smart sensors, laser measurement as well as digital image measurement etc. is reviewed firstly; their benefits and weakness are evaluated. Besides the effect of micro-gravity, vacuum, alternating temperature in space environment, the effect of existed imperfection on result of dynamic measurement is also commented. Finally, potential solutions are discussed and future research endeavors are also suggested based on problems emerged in current dynamic measurement of space membrane structure.