Investigation of compact packing strategy for large rigid-panel deployable antennas. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Guodong; Duan, Xuechao; Ma, Jun
• Is Part Of: Mechanism and machine theory. Volume 176(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Rigid-panel deployable antenna -- Packing ratio -- Parallel mechanism -- Minimum-variable kinematic model -- Bisection method -- Aperture-scaling algorithm; Machine theory -- Periodicals; Machinery -- Periodicals; Machines -- Périodiques; Génie mécanique -- Périodiques; Machine theory; Machinery; Periodicals; 621.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2022.104930
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-114X

Abstract

Abstract: Aiming at the problem of low packing ratio of the rigid-panel deployable antenna, this paper presents a strategy consisting of three concrete schemes. The first one is put forward by the immediate geometric relationship of the folded antenna. On this base, the second scheme is obtained by a rotation of the panel and then an enlargement of the aperture, which leads to an increase in packing ratio. Inspired by the aforementioned operation and the handling of branch interference in parallel mechanisms, the minimum-variable kinematic model describing the gap between adjacent panels with only two generalized coordinates is established. From this model and in combination with Bisection method, the aperture-scaling algorithm for the maximum packing ratio of the third scheme is developed. Extensive simulations reveal the algorithm converges and the resultant folded configurations are reasonable, in addition, the packing ratios of the three schemes increase significantly compared with those of the existing antennas. The parameter analysis is also made to further increase the packing ratio. It is concluded that the packing strategy displays distinct advantages in packing large-aperture rigid-panel deployable antennas. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A strategy for compact packing of rigid-panel deployable antennas. A kinematic model able to characterize the panel gap with only two variables. An efficient algorithm able to dramatically improve the packing ratio.