A programmable origami-inspired space deployable structure with curved surfaces. (1st April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Chunlong; Guo, Hongwei; Liu, Rongqiang; Deng, Zongquan
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 256(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-01
• Subjects: Origami -- Thick-panel origami -- Deployable structure -- Curved surface structure -- Programmability -- Aerospace; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2022.113934
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: A novel space deployable structure with curved surface by employing the origami design concept is proposed. Programmability and kinematic performance of the thick-panel origami network are illustrated. A comprehensive quantitative design method to achieve a specific deployable status is established. Two sample prototypes of a circular cylindrical antenna and a parabolic antenna are manufactured to verify the design concept and exhibit potential applications. Abstract: Space deployable structures are widely used in multiple space missions, and origami-inspired design is becoming a prevalent method to create deployable structures with innovative folding concepts. This paper proposed a novel space deployable structure with curved surface by employing the origami design, which is generated by strategically integrating two types of plane-symmetric thick-panel origami modules and the formation of network is described in detail. By taking advantage of the kinematic programmability, this origami-based deployable structure can be utilized to construct different target configurations, such as circular cylindrical surface and parabolic surface. Geometric analysis of the origami-inspired deployable structure are provided, as well as a comprehensive quantitative design method to customize a specific deployable status. Furthermore, two sample prototypes of a circular cylindrical antenna and a parabolic antenna are manufactured to verify and exhibit the potential applications of the origami-based deployable structures. This study provides a new approach to construct space deployable structures with different curved surfaces for aerospace engineering applications.