6. Structural Modelling for Thermoelastic Analysis

The thermal stresses and thermal deformations are the responses of a structure due to temperature fields as one of the applied loads. These responses of a structure are computed through thermoelastic analyses. As for many structural problems, also for simulating the thermoelastic response of a structure, the finite element (FE) method is the method mostly used. Using the fundamentals of the FE method and implementations in the finite elements, this chapter discusses the different finite element types and their adequacy to simulate thermoelastic responses. Within a space project, several types of structural analysis, in general all based on the FE method, are run. For practical reasons, there is a preference to use the same model for all these analyses. The single model that is commonly used is the dynamic model, developed for simulating the structural dynamics, which is as well an important design driving aspect for a spacecraft. However, a model, adequate to simulate the dynamic responses of a structure, may not always be able to represent properly the thermoelastic behaviour. Some limitations of typical dynamic models are explained, and suggestions are provided to adapt or refurbish the dynamic model to enhance the quality of the computed thermoelastic responses.