Research on the Folding Patterns and Deployment Dynamics of Inflatable Capsule Structures

Yi-Hong Hong,Wen-Juan Yao,Tingchen Fang,Yan Xu

doi:10.5028/jatm.v10.958

Yi-Hong Hong, Wen-Juan Yao + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5028/jatm.v10.958

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Abstract

The folding patterns and deployment dynamic characteristics of conical inflatable capsule structures were investigated. A six-fold-line method of packing a conical shell surface was designed. The fold-line layouts and relation formulas of the fold angles were determined. The folded state of the inflatable capsule structure was parametrically modeled; then, the deployment dynamic analysis model was established using ANSYS/LS-DYNA software. The dynamic characteristics of the inflatable capsule structure in orbit were numerically simulated. Thus, the deployment configurations and the time history curves of the dynamic characteristics were obtained. The results verified the feasibility of the fold pattern and the deployment dynamic analysis model. The influences of the residual gases from the packing process on the subsequent deployment process were investigated. The results indicated that a small amount of residual gas can lead to structures that cannot deploy smoothly, and two methods were presented to avoid this challenge. These works provide technical support for the structural designs of this type of inflatable capsule structure.

Highlights

Lightweight aerospace structures, inflatable structure technology is ideal
The six-fold-line folding pattern and deployment dynamic analysis model of an inflatable capsule structure were investigated, and the influence of residual gases was considered in the deployment dynamic analysis model
The six-fold-line folding pattern and deployment dynamic analysis model of an inflatable capsule structure were investigated in this paper

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Lightweight aerospace structures, inflatable structure technology is ideal. Parametric model methods and a software simulation of the deployment mechanisms of inflatable antenna structures were investigated in detail (Xu et al 2015). Despite the abovementioned research and development efforts, the folding patterns and deployment dynamics of the inflatable capsule structures with surface shapes other than tubes still need to be investigated. FOLDING PATTERN OF CONICAL INFLATABLE CAPSULE STRUCTURES NECESSARYliCnOesNDarITeIOvNalSleFyOlRinTeHs E(sShUowRFnAaCsE tFhOeLdDoINttGed lines OE, and OF in Fig.). Research on the Folding Patterns and Deployment Dynamics of Inflatable Capsule Structures 0x3x/x1x2 where these angles are the angles between the space fold lines:. The six-fold-line pattern of the expanded sector plane in Fig. 3b is shown, and there are 6 parallelograms.

A Inflatable Structure A

Findings

CONCLUSIONS