Digital Technology in the Design of Spacecraft Components

Abstract: The design of spacecraft components by means of digital technology is analyzed. The concept of digital space is adopted as the basis; the role of this concept in the life cycle of aerospace components is considered. Such research is prompted by the increasing production of aerospace systems and the simultaneous tightening of the requirements on product quality and reliability. The consequences of employing digital models are discussed, at different stages of the product life cycle. Problems that arise in aerospace applications of digital technology to aerospace systems are studied. Software for the creation and use of digital models and digital twins is reviewed. As a practical example, software for modeling the properties of polymer composite in the design of aerospace components is considered. A polymer composite consists of layers with very different properties. Because the layers may be combined by various methods, it is difficult to determine the physical properties of the composite. The best approach is virtual testing of a digital twin of the material. The mechanical properties of a unidirectional composite are also determined and compared with an existing analytical solution. © Allerton Press, Inc. 2023.