Numerical Approach to the Kinematic Analysis of Deployable Structures Forming a Closed Loop

Abstract

This article is concerned with spatial linkages forming a closed loop. In one extreme configuration (deployed), these linkages form a frame of polygonal shape, such as a square or a hexagon, and in the other extreme (folded), configuration form a tight bundle. Throughout their motion range, they have mobility one. These linkages have potential applications for next-generation deployable spacecraft structures. The article presents a systematic study of the kinematics of closed-loop structures with these special properties and a numerical scheme for simulating their deployment without making any assumptions about particular symmetry features. The proposed simulation technique is applied to three examples that show different behaviour during deployment.

Keywords

deployable structures kinematic analysis loop-closure

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