Force-State Characterization of Struts Using Pinned Joints

As part of a research effort to study the microgravity dynamics of a truss with pinned joints, a single strut with a single clevis-tang pinned joint was characterized. Experimental data was collected using a force-state mapping technique. The strut was subjected to axial dynamic loads and the response of the strut was measured. The force-state map aids visualization of the strut dynamics. Finite element modeling of the response was explored. An example is presented that uses a method of manual determination of the finite element model parameters. The finite element model results correspond well with the measured strut response.