A special class of large-sized space systems is formed by transformable structures that have different configurations in transport and operating states. Transformable large-sized space structures are delivered into orbits in a folded transport state and after that they are deployed into operating position. Now problems of the mathematical modeling of deployment dynamics of such systems attract a great interest of scientists. When the structure is transformed, impact dynamic loads arise in the system elements. To ensure a smooth «controlled» opening of the transformable structures and to exclude the dynamic impact loads in their constructed elements, it is proposed to use force actuators made of material with a shape memory effect. Now, to create mechanisms with elements made of the materials with the shape memory effect, the role of experimental methods is very important. Preliminary experimental studies of the force actuator made of such material as titanium nickelide were carried out. Deformation and force characteristics of the actuator obtained in these studies prove the possibility to use it for reliable deployment of the promising transformable space structures. Based on the fulfilled theoretical and experimental studies, the mathematical model describing the force actuator functionality is proposed.

The prospects for the development of radio astronomy, solar energy, space communications, exploration of the Earth’s surface and other planets from space are currently associated with the creation of fundamentally new large-sized space structures. The inevitable complication of the design schemes of promising large-sized systems due to the increase in their operational functionality requires the development of mathematical models that adequately describe the mechanical properties of structures. When designing large-sized systems, the scheme of which allows for automatic configuration change of the structure, it is necessary to take into account shock loads. They inevitably arise when the working state of the structure fixes in orbit upon completion of the process of its opening. To ensure smooth, reliable and shock-free opening of large-sized space structures, it is proposed to use force actuators with active elements made of titanium nickelide material with a shape memory effect. During the tests of the active elements, the main parameters of the force actuator were determined: the generated force, the actuation time and the length of the working stroke. The length of the working stroke was determined by the change in the relative elongation of the active element of the force actuator during its heating. The conducted experimental and theoretical studies are aimed at developing a mathematical model of the functioning of an active element made of titanium nickelide with a shape memory effect for the opening of a space structure with transformable configuration.

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Increase in the operational functionality of space technology leads to the necessity of creating large-sized transformable systems. The development of adequate models which are used in computational experiments to simulate the opening of transformable space structures is of great importance. Significant progress has been made in the field of creating large-sized transformable space antennas: the ratio of the mass of the reflector to its working area has decreased to 0.5–1.5 kg/m2. Despite the significant progress achieved in the design of such structures, the task of ensuring smooth and reliable deployment of large-sized transformable space structures, while ensuring their subsequent functioning, remains important. An important area of applied research in the field of shape memory materials is the creation of thermomechanical force actuators that deploy large-sized space structures. Actuators with shape memory effect makes the opening process easy to control, ensuring its shock-free nature. As an active element of the force actuator, it is proposed to use a wire made of titanium nickelide material with a shape memory effect. To develop a functional model of the actuator’s active element made of a shape memory material, a series of experimental and theoretical studies was carried out.