Estimating Fields in Spacecraft Cavities: Experimental Validation and Optimization of Finite-Difference Time-Domain and Power Balance Computational Tools

Electromagnetic fields in representative spacecraft cavities were successfully predicted using finite-difference time-domain and power balance computational tools. Results were validated with measurements of two test articles, showing excellent correlation in shielding effectiveness from 300 MHz to 18 GHz. The validated tools were then extended to predict fields inside representative, to-scale payload fairings including common systems and components like satellite payloads, antennas, acoustic blankets, and a cable harness. Various computational techniques were used to compare their speed and accuracy. Ultimately, we conclude that a multi-fidelity approach – combining full-wave, statistical, and hybrid solutions – is beneficial and necessary for complex and large cavity problems. The tools and techniques presented here can serve as part of a toolkit to rapidly estimate shielding effectiveness, the impact of payloads, and overall fields in spacecraft cavities.