This paper describes the design and structural performance of a new deployable antenna reflector consisting of active and passive sub-structures based on octahedral modules made of bars and cables. A full description of the antenna structure is given, and the design and manufacture of a small scale (2 m × 2 m) physical model are discussed. The effects of finite joint size on the kinematics of folding and deployment are analysed. Structural tests have been carried out on the model to assess shape accuracy after a series of fold/deploy cycles, pre-stress accuracy and its control, and static stiffness. Results from these experiments are compared to theoretical predictions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
KwanA.S.K. and PellegrinoS., A new concept for large deployable spare frames, International Journal of Space Structures, 9(3), 1994, 153–162.
2.
Kwan, A.SK., YouZ. and PellegrinoS., Active and passive cable elements in deployable/retractable masts, International Journal of Space Structures, 8(1–2), 1993, 29–40.
3.
PellegrinoS., Analysis of prestressed mechanisms, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 26(12), 1990, 1329–1350.
4.
PellegrinoS., KwanA.S.K. and Van HeerdenT.F., Reduction of equilibrium, compatibility and flexibility matrices, in the force method, International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 35, 1992, 1219–1236.
5.
KwanA.S.K. and PellegrinoS., Matrix formulation of macroelements for deployable structures, Computers & Structures, 50(2), 237–254.
6.
KwanA.S.K. and PellegrinoS., Prestressing a space structure, AIM Journal, 31, 1993, 1961–1963.
7.
KwanA.S.K. and YouZ., User guide to Theo3, an industrial measurement system using three Zeiss ETh2 theodolites, CUED/D-STRUCT/TR142, Cambridge University Engineering Department, 1993.
8.
YouZ. and PellegrinoS., Deployable mesh reflector, in: AbelJ.F., LeonardJ.W., PenalbeC.V., ed., Spatial, Lattice and Tension Structures, ASCE, 1994, 103–112.
