Precision estimation of large space-borne parabolic antenna support structure

Abstract

An accuracy analysis approach – mosaic equivalence approach which is based on the principle of approximate structure substitution, to a large complex spatial mechanism with three-dimensional (3D) paired bearings support joint (PBS-joint) clearance is presented to effectively estimate the support structure precision of large parabolic space-borne antenna. The analysis suggests when all the PBS-joints equipped with Metric 628/6 bearings in standard clearance, the surface precision of support structure can obtain relatively high accuracy with a 99.73% probability that root mean square (RMS) was kept in (0.3275, 0.7673) mm and peak-to-valley (PV) was kept in (0.8806, 1.8178) mm. The solution of deviation configuration under a large complex spatial mechanism using the proposed mosaic equivalence approach can be transformed into that under a mosaiced structure of its simple sub-mechanisms. As a result, the high-dimensional coupling between the deviation configuration decision variables can be effectively avoided. Besides, the constraint equations of large complex mechanisms with the PBS-joint 3D clearance can be simplified. This method lays a foundation for reducing the manufacturing cost and risk of large-diameter, high-precision satellite antennas. It has essential engineering value.