Optimization Analysis of Microgravity Experimental Facility for the Deployable Structures Based on Force Balance Method

Abstract

Ground-based microgravity experiment facility for large deployable structures based on the force balance was used in deployment function experiments and profile precision estimations. Considering how to exert the balance force in an accurate and efficient way to reduce its adverse effects and improve the realism of the simulated space environment. In this paper, a deformation displacement model of deployable structures under the effects of balance forces and gravity was established based on the finite element theory. The effects of the number, and the distribution form, of balance forces on deformation displacement of deployable structures were examined, and the optimal values of balance forces were derived using the genetic algorithm. The results shows that the effectiveness of the ground-based microgravity experiment facility for large deployable structures can be significantly improved by appropriately selecting the number and the distribution form of balance forces, and optimizing the values of balance forces.