Novel One-Layer-Cable-Net Antenna with High Surface Accuracy

Abstract

To meet the increasing demand of large-aperture antennas with high precision in space applications, a novel design concept of one-layer-cable-net antennas is proposed, designed, and analyzed in this study. Compared with many previous cable-net antennas, this novel design concept has a much simple topology, as only one layer of cable-net is used. This antenna consists of a deployable central support column and a series of circular deployable composite ribs, each of which is connected with other neighboring ribs by a number of radially distributed cables. The parabolic antenna surface is formed by the circular ribs and the connecting cables. A key advantage of this one-layer-cable-net antenna is that its surface accuracy can be adjusted in-orbit by changing the height of the central support column. The principle of minimum potential energy is applied to derive a theoretical model for this antenna, with which the design principle of the proposed one-layer-cable-net concept is analyzed and approved. Subsequently, the finite element model is established for the antenna to obtain accurate simulation results. The mechanism of adjusting surface accuracy by changing the height of the central support column is verified using numerical results.