Simulation of Impact Effects on Large Space Structures Using Advanced SE Method

One of the important parameters in analysis and design of large space structures is to account for the possible forces induced by flying object impact and the subsequent progressive collapse. Conventional finite element methods have been used successfully in linear and nonlinear dynamic analyses of large space structures. During the past three decades, problems of contact mechanics have also been considered by some authors, and special attention has been devoted to high speed impact. Impact wave propagation in space structures may be analyzed using the conventional finite element method. However, in order to guarantee stability and accuracy of the solution, the number of elements used to model the structure may be very large indeed; more precisely, accurate results can be obtained only after a substantial computational effort. In this respect, the spectral element method (SEM) is developed for analyzing the wave propagation problems in large space structures. Using a computer program, the proposed formulation has been used to derive the impact global dynamic responses of a large dome structure.