A Multidisciplinary Optimization of Composite Space Enclosures

A design methodology for composite space enclosures was generated. As a result a panel of an electronics housing structure, as part of a general satellite traversing both GEO and LEO, was designed and optimized. A mass saving of 18% was achieved over a conventional aluminum panel, while assuring structural integrity for acceleration loads, avoiding vibrational resonance with other satellite components, allowing electrical conductance, providing sufficient radiation protection from the harsh space environment and at the same time assuring manufacturability. The optimized structure was composed of layers of carbon fiber composite and tungsten foils. For radiation purposes the layers were placed asymmetric around the geometric midplane, resulting in shape distortions due to residual thermal stresses from the curing process. These shape distortions were kept to a minimum. The validity of the theoretical models was assessed by means of testing for shape distortions, radiation attenuation, bonding strength and electrical resistivity. The bonding of the tungsten with the prepreg material was found to be problematic, but an improvement in lap shear strength was found with respect to methods proposed in the literature. A chemical etching surface treatment with a reduced etching time of one minute was proposed for the tungsten foils.Design, Integration and Operations of Aircraft and RotorcraftAerospace Design, Integration & OperationsAerospace Engineerin