The influence of gravity load on the accuracy of mesh reflector antenna

Abstract

Space large deployable mesh antennas are the focus of research in the aerospace field. There is a high requirement for the reflector surface accuracy of the mesh antenna in orbit. Due to the low stiffness of the truss cable net system, the deformation of the flexible mesh surface under the ground gravity load cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is the key technology to ensure the accuracy of on orbit cable network reflector that accurately predict the difference of reflector under gravity load and microgravity load. This study establishes the mechanical model of the cable-truss system. The Newton Iterative Method is used to solve the nodal nonlinear equilibrium equation in the gravity load, and the deformation of the antenna mesh surface under the gravity load is obtained.