Investigation on design methods for cable mesh configuration of deployable space antenna reflector

Abstract

Mesh reflectors are always a preferable option for large size deployable antenna reflector over solid surface reflectors due to their flexibility of adjustment in minimum possible space and ability to get deployed to full configuration in space. Maintaining surface properties and accuracy are two important requirements in the design of the mesh reflector for the performance of cable network antenna reflectors. The present work considers the various design approaches for cable mesh configuration of space deployable antenna reflectors. The equal force density shape forming criteria such is applied for obtaining the desired parabolic curvature of the mesh configuration. The ring structure for the deployable mechanism is considered as rigid linkages for designing mesh configuration. A generalized numbering scheme for nodes and cable mesh link is formulated for carrying forward various shapes forming criteria which help in making an algorithm. The algorithm for a better understanding of these methods is developed using MATLAB with nodal coordinates and its connection. Mesh configuration is developed with a different number of divisions. A study is also carried out for finding the required number of divisions for a highly accurate parabolic profile for a particular band frequency. A demonstration model is developed and a comparison of the coordinates of the prototype is made with those arrived at using the model.