Journal of South China University of Technology(Natural Science) >

2025 , Vol. 53 >Issue 4: 30 - 39

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

Architecture & Civil Engineering

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

  • DONG Yongcan ,
  • YUAN Xingfei ,
  • LI Shu ,
  • AKRAM Samy ,
  • DONG Shilin
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  • 1.College of Civil Engineering and Architecture，Zhejiang University，Hangzhou 310058，Zhejiang，China
    2.Center for Balance Architecture，Zhejiang University，Hangzhou 310058，Zhejiang，China
    3.The Architectural Design and Research Institute of Zhejiang University Co. ，Ltd. ，Hangzhou 310058，Zhejiang，China
    4.College of Civil Engineering and Architecture，Xinjiang University，Urumqi 830047，Xinjiang，China
董永灿（1998—），男，博士生，主要从事空间结构研究。E-mail： yongcandong@zju.edu.cn

Received date: 2024-05-30

  Online published: 2024-11-04

Supported by

the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52278224);the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LZ24E080001)

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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

Cite this article

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), 2025 , 53(4) : 30 -39 . DOI: 10.12141/j.issn.1000-565X.240270

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