Experimental identification of the complex dynamics of a strongly nonlinear spacecraft structure

The present paper addresses the identification of a real-life spacecraft structure possessing an impact-type nonlinear component. The complete identification procedure, i.e. from nonlinearity
detection to parameter estimation, is carried out using experimental data collected during a typical spacecraft qualification test campaign. The complementary use of several techniques reveals particularly interesting and complex phenomena such as nonlinear jumps, nonlinear modal interactions, internal force relaxation and chattering during impacts.