Study On The Structural Optimization Of Mesh Deployable Antennas

The mesh antenna is a primary structural type of space deployable antennas. This paper is based on a preliminary research project Synthetic Design Platform of Deployable Antennas. The main work is as follows:1) With the force-density of all cables as design variables, the surface accuracy of the cable net and the uniformity of the pre-tension as objectives, a cable net form-finding optimization model based on force-density method is built. The result, derived from this proposed form-finding method, provides high surface accuracy and uniform pre-tension.2) The sensitivity of the surface accuracy of the cable net with respect to the force-density of tie cables is analyzed qualitatively by using Morris method. This work lays a good foundation for further study on precision adjustment techniques.3) The parametric finite element model of the hinged-rib antenna is built for deployed state, which is used for the structural optimization of mesh antennas. Deployed state optimization models are established to optimize the structure of mesh antennas for satisfying the requirements of antenna weight, surface accuracy, static and dynamic properties.4) The optimization module of the synthetic design platform is completed. The function, design proposal and key technologies of the optimization module are presented. The optimization module is validated by an example.