Dynamic Analysis Of Cables On Deployable Structures

High precision and reliability during the deployment is required for deployable space antenna which contains cable structures. The effects of the cable structure is inevitable. Consequently, dealing with the friction, damping, reaction force(torque) and other effects caused by the cables and nets in a flexible antenna on the deployment of stability is crucial, when studying in the deploying process of a space deployable antenna. In this thesis, related experiments of an AstroMesh antenna containing cable structures are conducted by measuring the vibration response. Preliminary experiments are designed to assess the dynamic properties of cable structure and tangling effects of two and three cables. Finally, “6+1” cable structure models under the conditions of micro gravity are established and finite element analysis is conducted.In the first part, the modal tests of the whole structure including the surrounding ring truss and cable net structures have been carried out by impact test method. Results of the modal test is verified finite element analysis.The second part explores the dynamical characteristics which may affect the stability of the deployable structures. Experiments are designed to measure the natural frequencies of cables with different tension forces and the dynamic responses when two and three cables contact and tangle with each other.The third part discusses existing cable bending models and applicable conditions of each model. “6+1” cable structure models are established and finite element analysis is conducted. Equivalent bending modulus is obtained for different helix angles of the cable model. Effects of contacts and frictions between strands are analyzed. Comparison between the calculated results and theoretical results from existing models are carried out.Results of the experiments and simulations will provide a reference for further study of the dynamics of deployable space antennas which contains cable structures.