Simplified Analytical Model for Predicting Neutral Cross-Section Position of Lenticular Deployable Composite Boom in Tensile Deformation

Abstract

Foldable and deployable flexible composite thin-walled structures have the characteristics of light weight, excellent mechanical properties and large deformation ability, which means they have good application prospects in the aerospace field. In this paper, a simplified theoretical model for predicting the position of the neutral section of a lenticular deployable composite boom (DCB) in tensile deformation is proposed. The three-dimensional lenticular DCB is simplified as a two-dimensional spring system and a rigid rod, distributed in parallel along the length direction. The position of the neutral cross-section can be determined by solving the balance equations and geometric relations. In order to verify the validity of the theoretical model, a finite element model of the tensile deformation of a lenticular DCB was established. The theoretical prediction results were compared with the finite element calculation results, and the two results were in good agreement.

Design, modeling, and manufacturing of high strain composites for space deployable structures

“…Chen et al 9 – 11 conducted a study on the flattening process of composite thin-walled lenticular tubes (CTLTs) under compression and tension, comparing experimental, numerical, and analytical results. Additionally, Bai et al 12 – 17 studied the stress, deformation, and failure behaviors of CTLTs during folding, utilizing geometrically nonlinear finite element models and an analytical model to characterize the flattening and rolling behaviors of CTLTs. Yang et al 18 employed a multi-objective optimization approach to design a C-cross section thin-walled rollable DCB.…”