Form-finding of deployable mesh reflectors using dynamic relaxation method

Xinyu Wang, Jianguo Cai, Ruiguo Yang, Jian Feng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, a novel numerical form-finding method is presented based on a dynamic relaxation algorithm for cable nets in mesh reflectors. To obtain a shape with high profile efficiency, structural forces are assumed to be constant values during the computational iterations, so a perfectly uniform distribution of structural forces can be achieved. An initial shape, normally not in equilibrium, is given in advance, and nodes of the network are forced to vibrate by the unbalanced forces. Parameters of dynamic relaxation algorithms, such as the type of damping and the time interval, are tested to ensure the speed and stability of the computation process. Finally, two different types of Astromesh reflectors are used as examples to verify the developed method.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)380-388
Number of pages9
JournalActa Astronautica
Volume151
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2018

Keywords

  • Distribution of forces
  • Dynamic relaxation
  • Mesh reflectors
  • Profile efficiency

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering

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