Analysis and testing of a nonlinear missile and canister system

Analyses and tests were performed to evaluate the nonlinear vibration response of a missile in its protective canister. A diametric rattle space exists between the missile and the canister liner, an elastomer with load deflection properties that are approximately exponential. Simplified MSC/NASTRAN transient response analyses predict the response to be a series of repeated shocks with peak amplitudes that exceed some component allowables. A full-scale vibration test of this configuration showed that the predicted response character is correct but that the amplitude is conservative.