Software Prototype Of Visualization Aided Model For Structures Of Deployable Satellite Reflector Antenna Concept Design

The purpose of concept design of a deployable satellite reflector antenna is to determine the principle of deployable structure and to give a blue print of the deployable structure. In this period, if an assistant tool with visual technologies could be provided to help the designer complete the concept design, the efficiency of concept design will be improved quickly.Based on classifying deployable satellite reflector antennas according to the form of reflector structure, the deploying principle and features of all these deployable satellite reflector antennas are given in this paper in order to prepare for building a database of deployable structure. In this paper, a method of using C++ programme with VRML is presented to realize visual concept design. Using the method and focus on deployable ring truss reflector antenna or modular mesh deployable antenna, fast visual 3D modeling of unit or whole deployable structure are built up, and animated simulation of its deploying process of its principle solution are carried out in this paper. Using this method, visual 3D modeling of orbit and animated simulation of satellite movement on the orbit are also realized. In order to assist and guide designers to carry out creative design, the Function Design Creative Method has been integrated in the software prototype of Visualization Aided Model for Deployable Structures Concept Design by using sequential and hierarchical design text in this paper. Based on the works mentioned above, a software prototype of Visualization Aided Model for Deployable Structures Concept Design is developed to support deploying principle simulation, creative design and choice of transmission machine. Finally, two examples are used, which validate practicability and validity of the software prototype.