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.

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URL: http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/10.3901/JME.2023.23.046

http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/Y2023/V59/I23/46

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