Abstract
In this study, the effectiveness of model correlation methods such as modal assurance criterion (MAC) and normalized cross orthogonality check (NCO) in the prediction of forced response characteristics of spacecraft structure are assessed using synthetic modal parameters as well as physically altered finite element models of two real spacecraft structures. It is observed that, neither MAC nor NCO can assure the finite element model capability to represent the acceleration response on the structure and the force transmitted to the base within the acceptable limits during the base excitation. It is also observed that, sometimes model with lower values of MAC or NCO represent the response characteristics better than that of a model with high value of MAC or NCO. A synthetic model is used for the robustness study of spacecraft models under base excitation and this model can approximately represent the response characteristics.