The Integrated Test Analysis Process for Structural Dynamic Systems

Robert N. Coppolino received his formal education in New York City having graduated from Stuyvesant High School and earned a B.S. Aerospace Engineering, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. As a structural dynamics engineer at Grumman Aerospace Corporation (1967-1975), he supported the Lunar Module, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs, and contributed to development of techniques for launch vehicle pogo (instability) suppression and propellant tank hydroelastic modeling and test-analysis correlation. From 1975-1983, Dr. Coppolino was at The Aerospace Corporation, ultimately holding the post of manager of the Engineering Dynamics Section. While at Aerospace, he supported NASA's Space Shuttle Pogo Integration Panel, developed the Simultaneous Frequency Domain (SFD) method for experimental modal analysis, and defined innovative residual vector techniques that were successfully employed in Space Shuttle nonlinear payload interface flight loadspredictions and detection of structural damage on offshore jacket platforms. From 1983-1987, he served as manager of the Advanced Methods and Development branch at the MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation (MSC). During his stay at MSC he led a consortium composed of MSC, the J. S. Bendat Company, and Synergistic Technology Incorporated, which developed technologies that were ultimately called the Integrated Test Analysis Process (ITAP). From 1987 to the present, Dr. Coppolino has held various senior posts at Measurement Analysis Corporation, currently serving as Chief Technology Officer for Torrance Operations. During this period he collaborated closely with the late Julius S. Bendat on development of nonlinear spectral techniques for identification of nonlinear systems. In addition, Dr. Coppolino continued development of ITAP components including efficient procedures for modal test-analysis reconciliation. The full suite of ITAP capabilities experienced its first end-to-end, "prime-time" applicationon the International Space Station P5 Short Spacer modal test, conducted at NASA/MSFC in 2001. In 2016, Dr. Coppolino was invited to join the NASA Engineering Safety Center, Loads and Dynamics Technical Discipline Team (LDTDT) as an industry member. Since that time, he has provided independent review of NASA's SLS and Orion programs, and as part of this work developed procedures aimed at dealing with the "many modes" problem. A highlight of these activities is development of SFD-2018, which appears to provide the impetus for a Roadmap for a Highly Improved Modal Test Process. Robert Coppolino is married to Catherine (Stafford) Coppolino, a person of outstanding courage and love for others. Together they have five children, Michael, Melisssa, Kenneth, Peter, and James, who have blessed them with seven wonderful grandchildren, Hannah, Hailey, Jakob, Robert, Ryder, Drew, and Tyler.