Abstract: For the form-finding design of deployable mesh antenna cable network structures, an iterative design method based on force density is proposed. The form-finding design of cable network structure is divided into two parts, one for the front net and the other for the rear net. The front net is designed with an iterative optimization method. With the front net’s surface accuracy being satisfied, all internal cables’ tension achieved to be equal and the maximum ratio of boundary cables to internal cables achieved to be minimized. According to the shape and force of the front net, with the tension cables remaining vertical and the antenna’s height being satisfied, the maximum ratio of rear net cables achieves to be minimized. Numerical simulations show that the method present can improve the uniformity of the cable net tension for both the axi-symmetric and offset parabolic paraboloid cable network structures. The method is correct and effective.

Key words: cable network structures, deployable antenna, force density, form-finding design