Dynamic testing of NOVA laser structural systems: the North side Spaceframe Tower
NOVA is the latest in a series of powerful laser systems at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory designed to study the feasibility of initiating a controlled fusion reaction by concentrating laser beams on a small fuel target, commonly called Inertial Confinement Fusion or ICF. The NOVA experimental facility is expected to be completed by the mid 1980's and is designed to produce 300 Kj of energy in order to demonstrate the ignition of thermonuclear burn. The laser components, turning mirrors, amplifiers, etc., are all mounted on large welded steel frame structures. These structures were first analyzed with linear finite element models to access their seismic integrity as well as their overall vibrational stability. A modal analysis was performed on the North side Spaceframe Tower to verify the spacial mode shapes of the tower and their corresponding eigenvalues (resonant frequencies) as well as the global damping associated with each mode. This report discusses the experimental modal analysis procedure used for testing, the results from the modal analysis, and a comparison with earlier finite element results.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 7022301
- Report Number(s):
- UCID-20116; ON: DE84014830
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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