Structural Design and Deployment Analysis of a Novel Rib-Patterned Deployable Antenna Structure

doi:10.12141/j.issn.1000-565X.240270

Abstract

Abstract:

Inspired by the structural configurations of ribbed cable domes, this study introduced a novel rib-patterned deployable antenna structure, aiming to explore innovative design solutions for large-aperture antennas. Firstly, this paper designed a basic deployable module with a driving-locking joint. By sequentially assembling multiple such modules, an extendable arm was constructed, which serves as a radial support rib. Furthermore, multiple extendable arms were arranged in a circumferential array, with corresponding prestressed loop cables, resulting in the construction of a novel rib-ring deployable antenna structure. In its fully deployed state, this structure can be conceptualized as a cable-beam composite system. A simulation model of the structure was created using finite element analysis software, and modal analysis was conducted. Comparative results reveal that, relative to existing configurations, the proposed rib-ring deployable structure exhibits superior structural stiffness, indicating its potential for application in large-aperture antenna design. Building on these, the study investigated the application of the rib-patterned structure to large-aperture antennas, proposing a deployable antenna design with a diameter of 58.2 meters. To assess the feasibility of this design, a simulation model of the antenna was developed using multi-body dynamics simulation software Adams, and deployment motion simulations were performed both for the individual extendable arm and the overall structure. The results demonstrate that the designed structure can successfully deploy into position and achieve reliable locking, further verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed antenna design. The study indicates that the novel rib-ring deployable antenna structure combines the advantages of truss-type deployable structures, which offer high stiffness, and rib-type deployable structures, which provide a high deployment ratio. This research offers valuable insights for the structural selection of future large-aperture antennas.

Key words: rib-patterned structure, antenna, deployable structure, structural design, deployment simulation

CLC Number:

TH11

DONG Yongcan, YUAN Xingfei, LI Shu, AKRAM Samy, DONG Shilin. Structural Design and Deployment Analysis of a Novel Rib-Patterned Deployable Antenna Structure[J]. Journal of South China University of Technology(Natural Science Edition), 2025, 53(4): 30-39.

Figures/Tables 17

Fig.1

Fig.2

Fig.3

Fig.4

Fig.5

Fig.6

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

Fig.7

Fig.8

Fig.9

Fig.10

Fig.11

Fig.12

Fig.13

Fig.14

References 25

1	BETTINI W， QUIRANT J， AVERSENG J， et al ．Self-deployable geometries for space applications［J］．Journal of Aerospace Engineering， 2019， 32（1）：04018138/1-12.
2	PUIG L， BARTON A， RANDO N ．A review on large deployable structures for astrophysics missions［J］．Acta Astronautica， 2010， 67（1/2）： 12-26.
3	余丹敏．大口径可展抛物面天线支撑桁架结构优化设计及性能研究［D］．哈尔滨：哈尔滨工业大学，2020.
4	CHEN Z J， SHI C， GUO H W， et al ．Design and optimization of new space modular planar antenna［J］．Aerospace Science and Technology，2022， 123：107442/1-19.
5	GUO J W， ZHAO Y S， XU Y D， et al ．A novel modular deployable mechanism for the truss antenna： assembly principle and performance analysis［J］．Aerospace Science and Technology，2020， 105： 105976/1-15.
6	LAN X， LENG J S， DU S Y ．Design of a deployable antenna actuated by shape memory alloy hinge［C］∥ Proceedings of 2006 Beijing International Materials Week （2006 BIMW）．Beijing： Trans Tech Publications，2007：1567-1570.
7	QI X Z， HUANG H L， LI B， et al ．A large ring deployable mechanism for space satellite antenna［J］．Aerospace Science and Technology， 2016， 58： 498-510.
8	LIN F， CHEN C Z， CHEN J B，et al ．Dimensional synthesis of antenna-deployable support structure［J］．International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences， 2020， 21（2）： 404-417.
9	HANAYAMA E， KURODA S， TAKANO T， et al ．Characteristics of the large deployable antenna on HALCA satellite in orbit［J］．IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation，2004， 52（7）： 1777-1782.
10	OZAWA S， SHINTATE K， TSUJIHATA A ．30 m class lightweight large deployable reflector ［C］∥ Proceedings of the 5 th European Conference on Antennas and Propagation （EUCAP）．Rome： Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers， 2011： 3354-3358.
11	SEMLER D， TULINTSEFF A， SORRELL R， et al ．Design，integration，and deployment of the TerreStar 18-meter reflector［C］∥ Proceedings of 28 th AIAA International Communications Satellite Systems Conference．Anaheim： AIAA， 2010： 8855/1-13.
12	HASANZAD E V， SEDIGHY S H， SHAHRAVI M ．Compact deployable umbrella antenna design with optimum communication properties［J］．Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets，2017， 54（3）： 781-785.
13	TIAN D K， FAN X D， JIN L， et al ．Kinematic mode-ling and analysis of support mechanism for folding rib deployable antenna［C］∥ Proceedings of 14 th International Conference on Intelligent Robotics and Applications （ICIRA）．Yantai： Springer， 2021： 592-601.
14	LI T J ．Deployment analysis and control of deployable space antenna［J］．Aerospace Science and Techno-logy， 2012， 18（1）： 42-47.
15	LI H Q， LIU X F， GUO S J， et al ．Deployment dynamics and control of large-scale flexible solar array system with deployable mast［J］．Advances in Space Research， 2016， 58（7）： 1288-1302.
16	HUANG H， GUAN F L， PAN L L， et al ．Design and deploying study of a new petal-type deployable solid surface antenna［J］．Acta Astronautica， 2018，148：99-110.
17	LI Y Y， WEI J F， DAI L ．Structural design and dynamic analysis of new ultra-large planar deployable antennas in space with locking systems［J］．Aerospace Science and Technology， 2020， 106： 106082/1-9.
18	董石麟，涂源．索穹顶结构体系创新研究［J］．建筑结构学报，2018， 39（10）： 85-92.
	DONG Shilin， TU Yuan ．Structural system innovation of cable dome structures［J］．Journal of Building Structures， 2018， 39（10）： 85-92.
19	李岩咏．空间超大尺寸平面可展开天线研究［D］．杭州：浙江大学，2020.
20	TALYIK I ．Finite element modelling of cable networks with flexible supports［J］．Computers & Structures，2001， 79（26/27/28）： 2443-2450.
21	ALI N， RHODE-BARBARIGOS L， ALBI A， et al ．Design optimization and dynamic analysis of a tensegrity-based footbridge［J］．Engineering Structures， 2010，32（11）： 3650-3659.
22	LIU R W， GUO H W， LIU R Q， et al ．Structural design and optimization of large cable-rib tension deployable antenna structure with dynamic constraint［J］．Acta Astronautica， 2018， 151： 160-172.
23	LIU R， GUO H， LIU R， et al ．Shape accuracy optimization for cable-rib tension deployable antenna structure with tensioned cables［J］．Acta Astronautica，2017，140： 66-77.
24	ZHANG Y， ZHANG J， ZHANG R， et al ．Design of deployable mesh reflector antenna based on cable-dome tensegrity structure［J］．Structures， 2024， 68：107150/1-18.
25	TANG A F， LI Y， QU H， et al ．Dynamics modeling and simulating analysis of a wire driven parallel mechanism［J］．Procedia Engineering， 2011， 15： 788-794.

项目	梁单元	索单元
材料	碳纤维	Kevlar
截面类型	空心	实心
内半径/mm	70.0
外半径/mm	75.0	2.5
弹性模量/GPa	350	131
密度/（kg·m^-3）	1 940	1 440

可展开天线类型	f₁/Hz	f₂/Hz	f₃/Hz
比率	3.66∶1	6.52∶1	4.59∶1
文中肋环形	2.428 3	5.553 7	5.553 7
文献［23］的索肋形	0.664 3	0.852 1	1.210 3

节点编号	（x，z）		（x，z）
n₁	（0，0）	n₁₁	（13.72，4.14）
n₂	（0，5）	n₁₂	（13.72，9.14）
n₃	（2.50，0.67）	n₁₃	（17.10，5.46）
n₄	（2.50，5.67）	n₁₄	（17.10，10.46）
n₅	（5.06，1.38）	n₁₅	（20.78，7.08）
n₆	（5.06，6.38）	n₁₆	（20.78，12.08）
n₇	（7.75，2.16）	n₁₇	（24.79，9.09）
n₈	（7.75，7.16）	n₁₈	（24.79，14.09）
n₉	（10.62，3.06）	n₁₉	（29.12，11.59）
n₁₀	（10.62，8.06）	n₂₀	（29.12，16.59）

[1]	LIU Guoyong, ZHANG Wenpeng, ZHANG Tongxin, et al. Structural Optimization and Flow Field Characteristics of Large Format SLM Forming Bin [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology(Natural Science Edition), 2023, 51(12): 53-63.
[2]	LIU Zhan FENG Suili . Energy Efficient Resource Allocation for Multicell Full-Duplex Distributed Antenna Systems [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology(Natural Science Edition), 2022, 50(4): 56-64.
[3]	ZHANG Zhen, YU Yusong, YANG Wenhui, et al. Structural Design and Simulation Analysis of Bioaerosol Ultrafine Atomizer [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2021, 49(9): 101-108.
[4]	LIU Han KANG Guoqin LI Kai. MIMO UWB Antenna Based on Differential Evolution Algorithm [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2020, 48(3): 24-31.
[5]	ZENG Hao FANG Beibei JI Lixia ZHAO Yunxiao DONG Tao. A Beamforming Method of Nulling Antenna for Impulse Interference Suppression [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2018, 46(8): 27-32.
[6]	JIN Guiping ZENG Guangde DENG Chuhong. Dual-Band ＲF Energy Harvesting System Design [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2018, 46(8): 38-45.
[7]	YE Jun LIU Hui-ming XIONG Jian. Properties of Carboxyl-Containing Cellulose Derivatives/Rare Earth Ions Nanocomposites [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology(Natural Science Edition), 2017, 45(11): 48-56.
[8]	ZENG Hao ZHOU Jian-wen WANG Qiu-shi WANG Hong-liang HE Hai-dan. Multiple-Objects Nulling Antenna with Directional Constraint [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology(Natural Science Edition), 2017, 45(1): 53-58.
[9]	WANG Ming-wei LI Li-xin ZHANG Hui-sheng XIE Wen-jiao. Cooperative Communication System with Directive Antennas and Optimal Relay Selection AF Strategy [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2016, 44(9): 87-93.
[10]	XIONG Xiong HONG Wei-jun ZHAO Zhen-tao XIE Sheng-li. An RFID Tag Antenna with Application Universality [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2016, 44(5): 73-77.
[11]	Li Ju-hu Zhang Hai-yan. Performance Analysis of Multi-Antenna UHF RFID System [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2015, 43(5): 22-29.
[12]	Huang He Guan Fu- ling Feng Shang- sen. Design and Processing of Spherical Inflatable Antenna [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2014, 42(9): 96-101.
[13]	Fan Ye-sen Ma Xiao-fei Li Zheng-jun Li Tuan-jie. Analysis Method of Influence of Cable Length Errors on Surface Accuracy of Cable-Net Antennas [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2014, 42(8): 64-69,83.
[14]	Wang Su- guo. A Simplified Formula of Effective Flange Width of RC Frame Considering Slab Reinforcement Participation [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2014, 42(11): 99-105,120.
[15]	Zhang Lei Liao Xin-jiang. Modeling and Control Algorithm Design of Large-Diameter Antenna Servo System [J]. Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition), 2013, 41(5): 22-27,33.