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Structure Evaluation Engineers, Inc.
(SEE) was retained
to review the structural performance of an adjustable focus
ground based 6.1 meter diameter satellite antenna and its mount structure at various operational
positions and wind load
conditions.
The mount structure was constructed of grade A36 steel and the antenna
structure was constructed of aluminum of four separate Alloy-Terpene designations. In order to
accurately model the antenna performance under these conditions SEE constructed a precise full scale 3 dimensional model
in a CAD program and exported the model to a finite element structural analysis
software. Once the 3D model was stored in the native analysis software format boundary
conditions, material properties, sectional properties, and numerous wind load criteria (derived
from TIA/EIA 222) were
superimposed.
An initial analysis
highlighted local areas of weakness within the structure which SEE felt could be significantly strengthened
with minor structural modifications. After consultation with our client
SEE was given
the go ahead to perform redesign of these minor modifications for inclusion in the final
analysis. Based upon this analysis, SEE compiled a
substantial report which included graphical stress plots at each wind load case and
operational position, pointing accuracy of the assembly under load, connection checks at
critical points, and a typical foundation solution based on the provisions of
TIA/EIA-222.
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