A Computational Method for Dynamic Analysis of Deployable Structures

Ying Wang,Bin Sun

doi:10.1155/2020/2971784

Abstract

A computational method is developed to study the dynamics of lightweight deployable structures during the motion process without regard to damping. Theory and implementation strategy of the developed method are given in this study. As a case study, the motion process of a bar-joint structure and a ring array scissor-type structure was simulated under external dynamic loading. In order to verify the effectiveness of the method, the simulation results are compared with the results predicted by the authenticated multibody system dynamics and simulation program. It shows that the method is effective to dynamic analysis of deployable structures no matter the structures are rigid or elastic. Displacement, velocity, and acceleration for the entire deployable structures during the motion process can be computed, as well as strain if the deployable structure is elastic.

Highlights

Due to their excellent properties, such as being convenient for transportation and construction, high efficiency, and reutilization, deployable structures offer a new structural engineering design and have been widely used in aerospace, civil engineering, and in other areas [1,2,3,4,5,6,7], which are different from traditional constructional methods
Muvengei et al studied the dynamic behavior of planar rigid-body systems using the fine model for considering dynamic interaction of multiple revolute joints with clearances [13]
Such excellent research works have reached a relatively high degree of maturity, there are still many new questions in need of solution, and their many design concepts and computational methods are still not fully accepted as a feasible engineering solution, especially for lightweight deployable structures under dynamic loading, since their structural damping is generally low, and there will be a challenge when they are subjected to dynamic loading [14]

Summary

Introduction

Due to their excellent properties, such as being convenient for transportation and construction, high efficiency, and reutilization, deployable structures offer a new structural engineering design and have been widely used in aerospace, civil engineering, and in other areas [1,2,3,4,5,6,7], which are different from traditional constructional methods. Muvengei et al studied the dynamic behavior of planar rigid-body systems using the fine model for considering dynamic interaction of multiple revolute joints with clearances [13] Such excellent research works have reached a relatively high degree of maturity, there are still many new questions in need of solution, and their many design concepts and computational methods are still not fully accepted as a feasible engineering solution, especially for lightweight deployable structures under dynamic loading, since their structural damping is generally low, and there will be a challenge when they are subjected to dynamic loading [14]. 2. Governing Equations for the Motion Process of Lightweight Deployable Structures is study aims to develop a computational method to analyze the dynamics of lightweight deployable structures with low structural damping during the expansion and compression process. Using the above recursive process, we can calculate the motion process of the deployable structure under external dynamic loading within the whole time history

Verification of the Developed Method

Conclusions e major conclusions can be summarized as follows: