Abstract
The nonlinear characteristics for hinge of a deployable missile control fin are investigated experimentally. The nonlinearity is caused by a worn or loose hinge and manufacturing tolerance and cannot be eliminated completely. The structural nonlinearity has an effect on the static and dynamic characteristics of the control fin. Therefore, it is necessary to establish the accurate nonlinear model for the hinge of the control fin. In the present study the existence of nonlinearities in the hinge is confirmed from the frequency response experiments such as tip random excitation and base sine sweep. Using the system identification method. especially, ″Force-state Mapping Technique″, the types of nonlinearities are identified and the nonlinear hinge model of the control fin is established.