Similarity Characteristics Research on Large Scale Con-Centrator Unit Considering Thickness Distortion

Adopting traditional similitude theory to analyze the similarity characteristics of large-scale concentrator unit in space solar power station, the thickness distortion problem exists in the scaled model, leading to the failure of the complete similarity criterion established by similarity analysis. Taking SSPS-OMEGA concept as an example, this paper proposed a strategy named the separated part similarity method based on the dimensional analysis to address the above problem. Firstly, the preliminary similarity criteria are obtained without considering distortion based on dimensional analysis. Secondly, the scaled model is established considering thickness distortion through two sub-models: complete similarity and partial similarity. Then the natural frequency prediction equation is established considering the thickness distortion of large-scale concentrator unit. Finally, the finite element models of protype and scale model are established to verify the method proposed in this paper. Results indicate the natural frequency predicted value of the large-scale prototype by this method is 28.34 Hz, and the theoretical value is 28.32 Hz. The error of the first four order natural frequencies between the predicted value and the theoretical value of the prototype is kept within 0.4%.