Simulating evaluation of new space deployable antenna

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a new deployable antenna with folded scissors ribs and to evaluate the reasonable characteristics of this new structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the TerrStar-1 satellite, virtual design and shapes forming are considered in this paper with the structure design of the new antenna. Considering the relaxation units in net surface, form-finding evaluation is used to build mathematical model and operate the optimization algorithm so that the design of the new antenna with folded scissors ribs is achieved. Simulations are carried out to verify the antenna proposed.

Findings

It is found that the antenna with folded scissors ribs can be developed smoothly in the space.

Practical implications

The proposed the antenna with folded scissors ribs can be considered as a fall-back alternative for large antenna, with a diameter of over 10 m in the space, or is seen as another option for the system with a simple rigid structure.

Originality/value

Different from traditional antenna, it provides a valuable reference for the further research of large deployable antenna in space. The antenna in this paper is able to develop more than 30 m of diameter. Meanwhile, the surface density and the natural frequency and the root-mean-square error in surface are superior to those of the traditional antenna.

Citation

Zheng, F., He, J. and Zhang, P. (2016), "Simulating evaluation of new space deployable antenna", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 88 No. 6, pp. 835-845. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-08-2014-0123