Shape of Deployable Membrane Reflectors
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 11, Issue 3
Abstract
The shape and stress distribution in the new Collapsible Rib-Tensioned Surface reflector are investigated both analytically and experimentally. A methodology is established for the preliminary design of symmetric reflectors of given aperture, focal length, and target root-mean-square (RMS) error, by extending form-finding methods originally developed for membrane roof covers. The concepts of a reference surface and of an equilibrium surface are introduced, and algorithms are developed to compute these surfaces and their associated RMS error. Then, the cutting pattern for making the membrane is computed and the RMS error of the actual surface is predicted. Estimates are made of the RMS error of reflectors with apertures of 1, 3, 5, and 10 m, with 6, 12, and 24 ribs. Measurements of prestress and shape in a one-sixth sector of a 1 m diameter reflector with 6 ribs are compared with predictions obtained from the computational study. In the central part of the gore, about half of the total surface, the average error on prestress is 22% whereas the shape has an RMS error of 0.7 mm, better than predicted.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Barnes, M. R. (1982). “Non-linear numerical solution methods for static and dynamic relaxation.”IL Pub., No. 15, 150–166.
2.
Cook, R. D., Malkus, D. S., and Plesha, M. E. (1989). Concepts and applications of finite element analysis, 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y.
3.
Galasko, G., Leon, J. C., Trompette, P., and Veron, P.(1997). “Textile structures: A comparison of several cutting pattern methods.”Int. J. Space Struct., 12, 9–18.
4.
Gere, J. M., and Timoshenko, S. P. (1990). Mechanics of materials, 3rd Ed., PWS/KENT Publishing Co., Boston, Mass.
5.
Grundig, L., and Bahndorf, J.(1988). “The design of wide-span roof structures using micro-computers.”Comp. and Struct., 30(3), 495–501.
6.
Grundig, L., and Moncrieff, E. (1993). “Formfinding of textile structures.”Proc. Studiedag-Seminaire Textliestrukturen Architecture Textile, Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
7.
Isenberg, C. (1992). The science of soap films and soap bubbles. Dover Publications, London, U.K.
8.
Kwan, A. S. K., and You, Z. (1993). “User guide to Theo3, and industrial measurement system using three Zeiss ETh2 theodolities.”Rep. CUED/D-STRUCT/TR142, Dept. of Engrg., University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K.
9.
Levy, R. (1996). Structural engineering of microwave antennas. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, N.Y.
10.
Lewis, W. J., and Gosling, P. D.(1993). “Stable minimal surfaces in form-finding of lightweight tension structures.”Int. J. Space Struct., 8, 149–166.
11.
Przemieniecki, J. S. (1968). Theory of matrix structural analysis. McGraw-Hill Book Co. Inc., New York, N.Y.
12.
Rits, W. J.(1996). “A multipurpose deployable membrane reflector.”Esa Bull., 88, 66–71.
13.
Ruze, J.(1966). “Antenna tolerance theory—a review.”Proc. IEEE, 54(4), 633–640.
14.
Schek, H. J.(1974). “The force density method for form finding and computations of general networks.”Comp. Method in Appl. Mech. and Engrg., 3, 115–134.
15.
Seffen, K. A., and Pellegrino, S. (1998). “Deployment dynamics of tape springs.”Proc., Royal Soc., London, U.K., in press.
16.
Tabarrok, B., and Qin, Z. (1992). “A finite element procedure for form finding of tension structures.”Trans. Can. Soc. for Mech. Engrg., 16(3–4), 235–251.
17.
“The technology of Inflatable Space Rigidized Structures (ISRS) long term material testing.” (1993). Final Rep., ESTEC Contract 9126/90/NL/PP, Oerlikon-Contraves, Switzerland.
18.
Wakefield, D. S. (1980). “Pretensioned networks supported by compression arches,” PhD dissertation, City University, London, U.K.
19.
You, Z., and Pellegrino, S. (1994). “Study of the folding and deployment aspects of a Collapsible Rib Tensioned Surface (CRTS) antenna reflector.”Rep. CUED/D-STRUCT/TR144, Dept. of Engrg., University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 11 • Issue 3 • July 1998
Pages: 73 - 80
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Jul 1, 1998
Published in print: Jul 1998
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.