Study of the Dynamics of Three Dimensional Tape Spring Folds

Abstract

One of the most significant drivers in satellite design is the minimization of mass to reduce the large costs involved in the launch. With technological advances across many fields, it is now widely known that very low-mass satellites can perform a wide variety of missions. However, the satellite power requirement does not reduce linearly with mass, creating the need for efficient and reliable small satellite deployable structures. One possible structural solution for this application is tape springs. Tape springs have been previously studied in many countries for space applications focusing on two-dimensional systems. This work studies the possible impact of using tape springs folded in three dimensions. By first analytically determining the static moments created, simple deployment models can be constructed for tape springs in free space. Then, determining the impact of these moments about an array fold line allows the creation of a dynamic model of an array that is directly comparable to the two-dimensional system. The impact of the three-dimensional fold can then be determined.

Analysis of tape spring hinges

“…Behaviour of a 3D fold for a tape spring subject to equal sense bending was recently studied by Walker et al [6]. However, the expressions for bending and twisting moments were based on the empirical data.…”

“…Although moment-rotation behaviour of a tape spring for two-dimensional (2D) [5] or three-dimensional (3D) folds [6] is known, the behaviour of one pair of tape springs subject to 2D or 3D folds is quite complex because twisting moments appear in addition to bending moments. Negative moments in moment-rotation profile might appear during deployment.…”

Systematic design of tape spring hinges for solar array by optimization method considering deployment performances

“…Soykasap also conducted nonlinear FE analysis of a tape spring hinge using an artificial damping method supported by the commercial solver Abaqus [4]. Walker et al investigated the moment-rotation relationship when a tape spring hinge is folded at an arbitrary angle [5,6]. Several composite tape spring hinges have been developed to offer high stiffness as well as low thermal expansion [7][8][9].…”

Design theory and dynamic mechanical characterization of the deployable composite tube hinge

“…Walker et al [5,6] performed the pure bending experiments of the single isotropic tape spring for opposite sense and equal sense with different sizes. For the composite tape hinge, Galletly et al studied the cross-sectional shape and equilibrium point for the bistable composite tape hinge by the beam model [7] and the shell model [8].…”

“…Seffen et al [2,3] and Walker et al [4] determined the moment-rotation angle relationships and the maximum moments of isotropic tape spring for opposite-sense and equal-sense bending theoretically. Walker et al [5,6] performed the pure bending experiments of the single isotropic tape spring for opposite sense and equal sense with different sizes. For the composite tape hinge, Galletly et al studied the cross-sectional shape and equilibrium point for the bistable composite tape hinge by the beam model [7] and the shell model [8].…”