Environmental Resistance Evaluation through Analytical Simulation

Analytical simulation through a computer program is used for incorporating in design procedures the actual or predicted environmental resistances of aerospace equipment. Through prior environmental testing, the relationships between component parameters and environmental levels may be established. Data may also be analyzed through statistical methods (ERIE Model #2) or by physical considerations (physics of failure, physical laws, synergistic effects) and resulting parametric relationships (ERIE Model #1). By utilizing the statistical and parametric models of component-environment relationships in connection with analog design analysis methods, environmental factors can be included in design considerations. This analog model (ERIE Model #3) has been chosen as a center for the ERIE methodology. For the purpose of demonstrating the feasibility of the design system a fine attitude control system in a polar orbit through the outer Van Allen Belt has been chosen. Data for analysis of the nominal system has been obtained with an IBM 7094 digital computer. Environmental effects on operating parameters are similarly being obtained by digital computer analysis. Evaluation of environmental effects completed to date, as well as analog computer runs on the nominal system, show great promise of this technique to minimize costs of systems testing and to accelerate space programs.