Finite-element modelling, analysis and design of anisogrid composite lattice spoke of an umbrella-type deployable reflector of space antenna

• Published in: Composite structures 2022-04, Vol.286, Article 115323
• Main Authors: Morozov, E.V., Lopatin, A.V., Khakhlenkova, A.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Buckling; Deformation; Finite-element analysis; Space antenna, anisogrid composite lattice spoke; Spoke design; Stress analysis; Umbrella-type deployable reflector
• ISSN: 0263-8223; 1879-1085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2022.115323

Practical design procedure of a new configuration of anisogrid composite lattice spoke of an umbrella-type deployable reflector of space antenna is presented in the paper. The spoke has a form of long lattice shell with the cross-section made in the form of rounded rectangle. The loads applied to the spoke are generated by the radio-reflective stretched mesh of the deployed reflector. Mass of the spoke is taken as an objective function in the formulated design problem, with constraints imposed on the characteristics of deformability, strength, and stability of the structure. The solution of the problem is based on the results of parametric analyses performed using the finite-element method. The set of design parameters of lattice structure includes the angle orientation of helical ribs, number of helical ribs of one orientation, widths of the helical and hoop ribs, and height of the ribs. A specialised algorithm is developed and applied to the generation of finite-element model for the anisogrid lattice spoke with rectangular cross-section. Using this model, the effects of variations of the parameters of lattice structure on the maximum deflection, maximum stresses in the ribs, and buckling load factor are analysed. Based on the results of these analyses the optimum set of the parameters of lattice structure is identified. At the first stage, feasible values of the structural parameters satisfying the set of constraints are calculated. Then, the optimum combination delivering the minimum value of the spoke mass is determined.