Modal testing and analysis of NOVA laser structures
Abstract
NOVA, currently the world's most powerful laser system, is an ongoing project at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. The project seeks to develop a feasible method or achieving controlled fusion reaction, initiated by multiple laser beams targeted on a tiny fuel pellet. The NOVA system consists of several large steel framed structures, the largest of which is the target chamber tower. In conjunction with design engineers, the tower was first modelled and analyzed by sophisticated finite element techniques. A modal test was then conducted on the tower structure to evaluate its vibrational characteristics and seismic integrity as well as for general comparison to the finite element results. The procedure used in the experimental modal analysis and the results obtained from that test are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the 3rd Intern. Modal Analysis Conf
- Pub Date:
- September 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984ima..conf...28B
- Keywords:
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- Damping;
- Laser Fusion;
- Laser Targets;
- Nova Laser System;
- Vibration;
- Finite Element Method;
- Frequency Response;
- Research Facilities;
- Vibration Tests;
- Lasers and Masers