The OHB Genesis satellite is a project of OHB, one of Europe’s leading space systems manufacturers. For a satellite in orbit, the main structural problem is not only launch loads, but also heat.
As part of the ambitious Genesis Program for OHB, we provided advanced engineering support by performing complex structural analyses to evaluate the satellite’s behavior under extreme thermoelastic loads.
Thermoelastic loads on the OHB Genesis satellite
In orbit a satellite moves from sunlight to the Earth’s shadow several times a day. As a result, temperature swings expand and contract materials differently, and the structure distorts. Even a few tenths of a millimetre can misalign instruments, antennas and panels.
In addition, the materials of a satellite differ a lot: composites, aluminium alloys, titanium. Each one expands differently, so the joints between different parts are the most delicate areas, especially where metal meets composite. For this reason, the model must represent joints and inserts well, as well as the main structure.
For this reason, we calculated deformations and stresses from temperature maps, with FE models built in HyperMesh and solved with OptiStruct. In addition, we checked that the stresses caused by thermal gradients stayed within the limits of materials and joints.
Why it matters for a space programme
In space you cannot intervene after launch, so every check has to be done beforehand and with clear margins. As a result, the OHB Genesis satellite reaches qualification with its thermoelastic behaviour already predicted and documented.
This work falls within our numerical simulation and structural verification services. In addition, the same method applies to antennas, optical instruments and solar panels, that is every part that must stay aligned in orbit. For a space project you can write to us from the contact page, also under a non-disclosure agreement.
Main activities
- 01Structural Analyses Under Thermoelastic Loads