Pattern Optimization to Minimize Dynamic Impacts of Wrapping Cables in Plate-Like Space Structures: Experimental Validation

Abstract In lightweight space structures, incorporating power and control signal transmission cables significantly impacts the dynamics of the host structures. This study presents an experimental effort to provide proof of concept for the mathematical modeling techniques developed for the ideal cable placement to preserve the dynamic properties of host plate structures. By assuming a periodic cable wrapping pattern, the cable-harnessed structure is modeled using repeating fundamental elements. This periodicity enables the application of an energy-equivalence homogenization method, leading to partial differential equations that describe the out-of-plane vibrations of the cable-harnessed plate system. The presented test results further validate several optimal wrapping designs for host plate structures. The frequency response functions for the optimal cable pattern from the analytical model are compared against the test results, demonstrating excellent agreement.