Innovative Design of Deployable Mesh Reflector Antennas with Cable Dome Structure

doi:10.3901/JME.2023.23.046

Abstract

Abstract: With the entry of human beings into the great space era, the requirements of large-diameter, light-weight and high storage ratio are put forward for space antennas. In order to solve the problem that the stowed height of large-diameter AstroMesh antennas is difficult to meet the size requirements of rocket fairing, an innovative design of the deployable mesh reflector antennas with cable dome structure is proposed. By introducing a cable dome structure that consists of compression rods, ring cables and oblique cables, the division design of rear cable-net is realized. In this case, the length of batten connected to rear cable-net is shortened, and the overall stowed height of reflector antennas is reduced. By comparing the design parameters of two typical antennas with 16 m and 100 m apertures, the results show that the innovative design not only solves the problem of the high stowed height of AstroMesh antennas, but also has the advantages of low areal density and simple structure. A prototype of 1 m diameter deployable mesh reflector antenna is designed and fabricated, and both surface accuracy and deployment process tests are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the design concept. The proposed innovative design provides a new idea for the structure design of 100 m diameter deployable mesh reflector antennas in the future.

Key words: cable dome structure, deployable mesh reflector antennas, prototype, stowed height

CLC Number:

TN82

ZHANG Shuxin, YAN Leidong, ZHANG Shunji, LI Haotian, DUAN Baoyan. Innovative Design of Deployable Mesh Reflector Antennas with Cable Dome Structure[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2023, 59(23): 46-54.

References

[1] 刘荣强，史创，郭宏伟，等. 空间可展开天线机构研究与展望[J]. 机械工程学报，2020，56(5):1-12. LIU Rongqiang，SHI Chuang，GUO Hongwei，et al. Review of space deployable antenna mechanisms[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering，2020，56(5):1-12
[2] DUAN B. Large spaceborne deployable antennas (LSDAs)-A comprehensive summary[J]. Chinese Journal of Electronics，2020，29(1):1-15.
[3] 马小飞，李洋，肖勇，等. 大型空间可展开天线反射器研究现状与展望[J]. 空间电子技术，2018，15(2):16-26. MA Xiaofei，LI Yang，XIAO Yong，et al. Development and tendency of large space deployable antenna reflector[J]. Space Electronic Technology，2018，15(2):16-26.
[4] DATASHVILI L，ENDLER S，WEI B，et al. Study of mechanical architectures of large deployable space antenna apertures:from design to tests[J]. CEAS Space Journal，2013，5(3):169-184.
[5] TSERODZE S，PROWALD J S，CHKHIKVADZE K，et al. Latest modification of the deployable space reflector structure with V-folding bars[J]. CEAS Space Journal，2020，12(2):163-169.
[6] TSERODZE S，MEDZMARIASHVILI E，KLOOSTER C G M，et al. New design modifications of the supporting ring for a large deployable space reflector[J]. CEAS Space Journal，2021，13(2):175-182.
[7] MORTEROLLE S，MAURIN B，DUBÉ J F，et al. Modal behavior of a new large reflector conceptual design[J]. Aerospace science and technology，2015，42:74-79.
[8] QI X，HUANG H，LI B，et al. A large ring deployable mechanism for space satellite antenna[J]. Aerospace Science and Technology，2016，58:498-510.
[9] 史创，郭宏伟，刘荣强，等. 双层环形可展开天线机构设计与力学分析[J]. 哈尔滨工业大学学报，2017，49(1):14-20. SHI Chuang，GUO Hongwei，LIU Rongqiang，et al. Mechanism design and mechanical analysis of a double-layer loop deployable antenna[J]. Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology，2017，49:14-20.
[10] MESHKOVSKY V Y，SDOBNIKOV A N，KISANOV Y A. An approach to design of large-sized deployable hoop space antenna reflector[J]. Journal of Physics:Conference Series. IOP Publishing，2021，1902(1):012125.
[11] CAO W，XI S，DING H，et al. Design and kinematics of a novel double-ring truss deployable antenna mechanism[J]. Journal of Mechanical Design，2021，143(12):124502.
[12] LANE S A，MURPHEY T W，ZATMAN M. Overview of the innovative space-based radar antenna technology program[J]. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets，2011，48(1):135-145.
[13] SHI C，GUO H，LI M，et al. Conceptual configuration synthesis of line-foldable type quadrangular prismatic deployable unit based on graph theory[J]. Mechanism and Machine Theory，2018，121:563-582.
[14] 吴新燕，关富玲. 双圈六面体环形桁架式可展开天线结构设计[J]. 机械工程学报，2020，56(5):218-225. WU Xinyan，GUAN Fuling. Design of deployable antenna of double-loop hexahedron truss[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering，2020，56(5):218-225.
[15] 杨慧，冯健，刘永斌，等. 百米级多超弹性铰链抛物柱面天线折展机构设计与运动学分析[J]. 机械工程学报，2022，58(3):75-83. YANG Hui，FENG Jian，LIU Yongbin，et al. Design and kinematic analysis of a large deployable mechanism of the parabolic cylindrical antenna with multi tape-spring hinges[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering，2022，58(3):75-83.
[16] SUN Z，ZHANG Y，YANG D. Structural design，analysis，and experimental verification of an H-style deployable mechanism for large space-borne mesh antennas[J]. Acta Astronautica，2021，178:481-498.
[17] SUN Z，YANG D，DUAN B，et al. Structural design，dynamic analysis，and verification test of a novel double-ring deployable truss for mesh antennas[J]. Mechanism and Machine Theory，2021，165:104416.
[18] LEVY M P. Triangulated roof structure:United States，5259158[P]. 1993-11-09.
[19] DUAN B，ZHANG Y，DU J. Large deployable satellite antennas:Design theory，methods and applications[M]. Springer Nature，2020.