Conceptual configuration synthesis of line-foldable type quadrangular prismatic deployable unit based on graph theory. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shi, Chuang; Guo, Hongwei; Li, Meng; Liu, Rongqiang; Deng, Zongquan
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 121(2018)
• Page Start: 563
• Page End: 582
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Structural synthesis -- Line-foldable -- Quadrangular prism -- Graph theory -- Deployable mechanism; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2017.11.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Highlights: In order to obtain a series of quadrangular prisms deployable units (QPDUs) which can be folded into a straight line, a topology structure synthesis and analysis method based on graph theory is proposed in this paper. Graphs of statically determinate QPDUs are synthesized. Combined with graph properties, a procedure for synthesizing conceptual configurations of QPDUs is obtained. All 78 kinds of QPDUs are discovered by using synthesis approach mentioned in this paper. Abstract: This study proposes a conceptual configuration synthesis method based on graph theory to obtain a series of quadrangular prismatic deployable units (QPDUs) which can be folded into a straight line. Firstly, according to graph theory, graphs of statically determinate QPDUs are synthesized. Secondly, in order to establish the conceptual configuration of QPDUs, weighted graph, weighted adjacency matrix and some rules are analyzed. Combined with graph properties, a procedure for synthesizing conceptual configuration of QPDUs is obtained. Finally, all 78 kinds of QPDUs are discovered by using synthesis approach mentioned above. These QPDUs are then used to build large deployable space mechanisms, such as mast, planar and hoop mechanisms, in different construction methods. This study expands the deployable unit configuration library, and the method can provide experience for the theoretical research in aerospace deployable mechanisms.