Analytical model for predicting folding stable state of bistable deployable composite boom
Tian-Wei Liu, Jiang-Bo Bai, Nicholas Fantuzzi
Abstract
Bistable deployable composite boom (Bi-DCB) has promising applications in space field, specifically as primary support component for deployable structures such as solar arrays and antennas. By storing and releasing strain energy, Bi-DCB is capable of achieving a bistable function. In this study, folding stable state of Bi-DCB was investigated through an analytical method. A geometrical model of Bi-DCB was established based on classical Archimedes’ helix, and an analytical model utilizing energy principles was presented to predict folding stable state of Bi-DCB. Tsai-Hill criterion and maximum stress criterion were used to calculate failure indices of six Bi-DCBs in folding stable state. To validate proposed analytical model, prediction results were compared with those obtained through Finite Element Models (FEMs) and experiments, and good agreement was observed. Additionally, effect of geometric parameters, including radius of cross-section, thickness, and length, on folding stable state of Bi-DCB was further investigated using analytical model. Results demonstrate that geometric parameters are a key factor influencing folding stable state of Bi-DCB.