How to actually perform a random vibration analysis (using ANSYS)?

[Houjou]

I am trying to perform a random vibration analysis to my CAD model, which is a spacecraft payload placed within a launcher.

I am provided with a random vibration qualification level graph (PSD [g^2/Hz] versus frequency [Hz]) extracted from the launcher's datasheets.

Now, common sense told me that Random Analysis here would mean inserting this PSD-freq graph as a load to my model and seeing the resulting deformation it experiences. Instead, a colleague told me to run a random vibration frequency sweep with ANSYS to actually obtain a PSD-frequency chart and compare it with the qualification one.

I really need some help figuring out what it actually means to perform this analysis, and what's the procedure to follow. Any help??!

Thank you very much!!

 

[rickfischer51]

Read the manual. There are sample problems in the documentation, and verification problems. Start with Mechanical APDL, Structural analysis Guide, Spectrum Analysis, Performing a Random Vibration Analysis.

Rick Fischer
Principal Engineer
Argonne National Laboratory

 

[Houjou]

Thanks, Rick. I was looking at the wrong help sections from the software...