Abstract:

The space deployable antenna is a key part for the space-based VLBI,global rainfall radar system,space solar power station and large space military infrastructure.In order to adapt the launch limits of the rocket,the cable-net structure becomes an optimum design scheme for large space deployable structures.As the antenna size increases,slender rods are made into a truss structure to provide boundary support for the cable net.Because of the low flexural rigidity of the slender rods,the truss structure is always distorted because of the cable force,and the design accuracy of the structure is ultimately reduced.To solve this problem,this paper proposes a new hoop tensegrity structure for space deployable antennas,of which the rods only bear pressures and the cables only bear tensions.For this structure,block force balance equations are established for distributed calculation of the supporting truss and the cable net.Then,a tension design method and a tension-shape coupling design method are proposed for the form finding of the hoop tensegrity structure.Finally,a simulation example is put forward to verify the proposed structure and method.It is illustrated that the structure has a superior surface accuracy even when the elastic deformation is considered.

Key words: space deployable antenna, cable net, tensegrity, form finding, surface accuracy