The Challenges and Progress in Simulating Large, Tape Spring Based, Space Deployable Structures

Abstract eng:
Deployable structures are required for many satellite operations, to deploy booms for communications or area deployment for power generation, and many sophisticated mechanisms have been developed for these types of structures. However, tape springs, defined as thin metallic strips with an initially curved cross-section, are an attractive structural solution and hinge mechanism for satellite deployable structures because of their low mass, low cost and general simplicity. They have previously been used to deploy booms and array panels in various configurations that incorporate small two-dimensional tape hinges, but they also have the potential to be used in greater numbers to create larger, more geometrically complicated deployable structures. However, significant challenges exist in simulating these systems when the number of tape spring elements becomes significant. This publication will discuss these challenges along with presenting three methods of simulating a build-up, tape spring based deployable structure. The reference structure consists of a deployable wall with three lines of tape spring hinges mounted in pairs, totalling over 100 individual tape spring elements. The static and dynamic properties of the wall structure have previously been determined and are used in this publication to assess the accuracy of the three simulation approaches. The advantages and disadvantages of each method will be discussed and the best approach will be identified for future design purposes.

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