The new approach for damping modelling in the coupled dynamic load analysis for the Ariane 5 acoustic booster mode load cases

Solid propellant booster can have pressure oscillations with frequencies which correspond to the acoustic modes inside the motor case. These quasi-harmonic excitations can lead to severe dynamic responses if their frequencies are coincident with the resonance frequencies of the launcher. A correct modeling of the damping is essential for a realistic dynamic response prediction. The different components of the launcher have different damping characteristics which are known from substructure testing (e.g. modal testing, sine vibration testing). The modal damping in these substructure tests is achieved under certain boundary conditions, which are different compared to the situation in the coupled system. The paper describes the new applied approach which considers the different component mode damping of the substructures and allows a synthesized damping model of the coupled system. The new approach, called ‘Equivalent Structural Damping’ (ESD), is based on structural damping and makes use of the equivalence of modal viscous damping and modal structural damping in case of small damping. Particular emphasis is put on the damping coupling, which turned out to be significant for the 2nd acoustic booster mode load case and overcomes the inconsistencies of the past approach based on diagonal system damping.