Electromagnetic Deployment of a Membrane Structure in LEO

Abstract

Space membrane structures provide a large surface area while being lightweight and efficiently storable. Two types of deployment methods have already been demonstrated: using booms or centrifugal force. However, it is difficult to control the deployment force in high frequency, and the associated impact and vibration to the membrane structures pose risks for mission failure. This study proposes a new deployment method using electromagnetic force. This method flows electrical current on the membrane to deploy via electromagnetic force. While electromagnetic force can be manipulated by changing the electrical current, electromagnetic force is also affected by the membrane deployment behavior. Since electromagnetic force is weak, the influence of environmental forces on the deployment behavior becomes larger than in the previous methods. Thus, to achieve consistent electromagnetic force control, the deployment behavior should be understood. This study aims to reveal the possibility of deployment using the proposed method and investigate the deployment behavior in LEO with numerical simulation based on the multi-particle method. From the results, this research finds that the membrane deployment with the proposed method can be divided into three phases. Furthermore, this study reveals the relationship between the deployment behavior and electromagnetic and environmental forces in LEO.