Integrated Structural Analysis and Test Program

Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland

Saturday, January 01 2005

An integrated structural-analysis and structure-testing computer program is being developed in order to:

• Automate repetitive processes in testing and analysis;
• Accelerate pre-test analysis;
• Accelerate reporting of tests;
• Facilitate planning of tests;
• Improve execution of tests;
• Create a vibration, acoustics, and shock test database; and
• Integrate analysis and test data.

The software package includes modules pertaining to sinusoidal and random vibration, shock and time replication, acoustics, base-driven modal survey, and mass properties and static/dynamic balance. The program is commanded by use of ActiveX controls. There is minimal need to generate command lines. Analysis or test files are selected by opening a Windows Explorer display. After selecting the desired input file, the program goes to a so-called analysis data process or test data process, depending on the type of input data. The status of the process is given by a Windows status bar, and when processing is complete, the data are reported in graphical, tubular, and matrix form.

This work was done by Daniel Kaufman of Goddard Space Flight Center. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs. com/tsp under the Software category.

This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent application has been filed. Inquiries concerning nonexclusive or exclusive license for its commercial development should be addressed to the Patent Counsel, Goddard Space Flight Center, (301) 286-7351. Refer to GSC-14775-1.