Correlation between Preload and Geometric Characterisation of metal meshes for space antenna reflectors

Abstract

The paper deals with digital image processing techniques to analyse the shape of the main voids in the metallic mesh of large deployable antennas. The shape of the holes in the mesh influences the electromagnetic performances as the working frequencies and the polarisation effects. The analysis compares two types of mesh subjected to a series of equal loads in two directions; for this task, a dedicated testing machine is used. The paper presents an approach to defining an effective and averaged repetitive pattern. Thus, a statistical point of view of the entire mesh is given, applicable to studying the behaviour of a full reflector, to avoid being affected by local texture defects.