Configuration Design and Dynamic Characteristics Analysis for Space Membrane Mechanism Based on Deployable Booms

Abstract

To meet the requirements of deployable structures in aerospace engineering with light weight and high stiffness, this paper proposes the triangular space membrane deployable mechanism based on deployable booms, then conducts dynamic analysis and multiobjective optimization. The configuration design and mass calculation for the membrane mechanism are carried out, including its unfolding support mechanism and tensioned membrane scheme. With a view to performing the dynamic characteristics analysis and parametric studies, the finite element simulation model of the membrane mechanism, including boom, cable and membrane, is built and validated against test results obtained by Polytec. On the basis of the simulation results, a surrogate model of fundamental frequency is established by adopting the response surface method and applied to multiobjective optimization combined with the mass formula. Then, the optimal dynamic and lightweight design parameters are solved via the genetic algorithm. The results provide an indication to aid with the design and analysis of space membrane deployable mechanisms according to the required properties and space mission requirements.