A component-wise approach to analyse a composite launcher structure subjected to loading factor

The space structures are realized by combining skin and reinforced components, such as longitudinal reinforcements called stringers and transversal reinforcements called ribs. These reinforced structures allow two main design requirements to be satisfied, the former is the lightweight and the latter is a high strength. Solid models (3D) are widely used in the Finite Element Method (FEM) to analyse space structures because they have a high accuracy, in contrast they also have a high number of degrees of freedoms (DOFs) and huge computational costs. For these reasons the one-dimensional models (1D) are gaining success as alternative to 3D models. Classical models, such as Euler-Bernoulli or Timoshenko beam theories, allow the computational cost to be reduced but they are limited by their assumptions. Different refined models have been proposed to overcome these limitations and to extend the use of 1D models to the analysis of complex geometries or advanced materials. In this work very complex space structures are analyzed using 1D model based on the Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF). The free-vibration analysis of isotropic and composite structures are shown. The effects of the loading factor on the natural frequencies of an outline of launcher similar to the Arian V have been investigated. The results highlight the capability of the present refined one-dimensionalmodel to reduce the computational costs without reducing the accuracy of the analysis.