Session: MR-03-01

Paper Number: 142798

142798 - Compliant Stepped-Beam Analysis for Deployable Space Structures With Flexible Panels 

Deployable space structures that incorporate thin, flexible solar cells allow for innovative designs that are capable of high stowing efficiency. The purpose of this work is to present compliant stepped-beam analysis approaches that apply to deployable space structures with flexible panels connected with thin sheets and determine their deflection as a function of their material properties, geometry, and applied moments. Related methods are described. An analytical model and finite element analysis are compared and validated with a physical model. The end angle, coordinates, and radius of curvature of each segment are calculated and the results are compared. Beam thicknesses can be adjusted to increase curvature to intended sections of the beam. The approach is then applied in the preliminary design of a z-fold used as a deployable space array. The compliant-stepped beam deflected in a z-fold pattern provides designers with a straightforward model to analyze the position and curvature of a deployable array and tailor it to meet design requirements. Percent differences of each analysis are presented and discussed. The analytical model agrees well with FEA and physical solution results. Case assumptions are described and validated. Potential for future work related to large deflections of flexible-panel deployable space structures is described.

Presenting Author: Mitchel Skinner Brigham Young University

Presenting Author Biography: Mitchel Skinner is a Master's student at Brigham Young University. He received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University - Idaho in Mechanical Engineering and is completing his Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering in summer of 2024. His research focuses on membrane hinges for deployable systems. He is part of the Compliant Mechanism Research Lab at BYU. As such, he's worked on design contracts for the Air Force Research Lab and Space Force. He is also recipient of the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium.

Authors:

Mitchel Skinner Brigham Young University
Andrew Geyser Brigham Young University
Brandon Sargent Gonzaga University
Spencer Magleby Brigham Young University
Larry Howell Brigham Young University