Static and modal analysis of the construction of the precision large-sized antenna reflector from polymer composite materials

Abstract

The article presents a design of a precision large-size antenna reflector that made of polymer composite materials (PCM) based on carbon fibers. Such reflectors are used for operation in high frequency ranges, since they have a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion and a high modulus of elasticity. Therefore, the main task of this work is to design the geometric accuracy of the reflector working surface from composite materials with a diameter of more than 10 meters and a frequency range of 42.5-45.5 GHz.The developed model of the reflector includes a power frame, segments of the reflecting surface and a hub. The power frame of the reflector consists of flat trusses supplemented with rods, so that during assembly a spatial construction with axial symmetry is formed. Segments are three-layer casings of polymer composite materials with filler.The proposed model of the reflector was analyzed using the finite element method with boundary conditions: a wind load of 20 m/s in the opening of the reflector; impact of gravity on the reflector, oriented to the zenith. The wind load was modeled as a uniformly distributed pressure applied to the segments. The obtained mean square deviation (SDE) of the geometry and natural oscillation frequency of a reflector made from polymer composite materials based on carbon fibers is sufficient for operation of the satellite earth station in high radio-frequency ranges Ka, Q and V.