The Selection of the Reinforcement Scheme for a Parabolic Antenna Made of Composite Materials with an Elliptical Aperture Line

Abstract

Being prepared foThe problems of designing and calculating reinforced shells of revolution made of composite materials as constituent elements of parabolic antennas with an elliptical aperture line having a focal parameter value of not more than 0.03 m are examined in this paper. The structural layout schemes of reflectors of the parabolic-type mirror spacecraft antennas are reviewed. A technique for designing a bearing frame for reinforcing the reflector shell using numerical analysis based on the finite element method is presented. The technique is based on the assessment of the stiffness parameters of the structural elements of the reflector located between the annular ribs. It utilizes optimization in order to achieve a constant gradient of changes in the stiffness parameters. The deformability of the reflector design that uses a modern high-modulus composite material is evaluated. A finished product is presented as the result of the application of the technique. An assessment of manufacturing and design errors is performed based on the experimental data. The proposed approach to the design of reflectors with an elliptical aperture line eliminates warping of the molded product and deformation during operation such as twisting in the form of a propeller. The results of the study can be used for designing reflectors of spacecraft mirror antennas with a narrow radiation pattern that meet strict requirements of the accuracy of the reflecting surface geometry as well as mass restrictions.