Preliminary design and analysis of a cubic deployable support structure based on shape memory polymer composite

Abstract

The deployable structures based on shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs) have been developed for its unique properties, such as high reliability, low-cost, lightweight, and self-deployment without complex mechanical devices compared with traditional deployable structures. In order to increase the inflatable structure system's robustness and light the weight of it, a cubic deployable support structure based on SMPC is designed and analyzed preliminarily. The cubic deployable support structure based on SMPC consists of four dependent spatial cages, each spatial cage is composed of 12 three-longeron SMPC truss booms and end connections. The shape recovery of arc-shaped deployable laminates drive the three-longeron SMPC truss booms to unfold, thus realize the expansion of the deployable support structure. The concept and operation of the cubic deployable support structure are described in detail. A series of experiments are performed on the three-longeron deployable laminates unit and the simplified cubic deployable support structure to investigate the shape recovery behavior in the deployment process. Results indicate that the cubic deployable support structure has a high deployment-tgostowage volume ratio and can achieve self-deployment, package, and deploy without complex mechanical devices.

Review of Progress in Shape Memory Epoxies and Their Composites

“…There are further possibilities to widen the shaping freedom with SMEP composites, more exactly with SMEP-containing structural parts, such as beams [ 151 ], hinges and booms [ 152 ], self-deployable structures [ 153 , 154 ] where design aspects dominate. Positioning of the reinforcing layers and selecting their types may affect the deformability, as well.…”

A Review of Shape Memory Polymers and Composites: Mechanisms, Materials, and Applications

“…[ 149 ] To further develop the extensive scale payload deploy system, a complex cubic deployable support structure was constructed by Li et al. [ 150 ] Its repeatable cubic unit consisted of SMPCs, and connectors could be assembled into the support structure to meet diverse requirements. Zhang et al.…”

Mechanical Models, Structures, and Applications of Shape-Memory Polymers and Their Composites

“…the second direction; III. the third direction [104] contracted state, the composite beam is in a zigzag shape, and the SMPC is heated after reaching the specified orbit to achieve deployment. DSX/PowerSail developed the SMPC-crimped beam structure, which can be crimped and unfolded to achieve the contracted emission and on-orbit deployment of flexible solar cells connected to it (as shown in Fig.…”

“…7e) [103]. Leng et al developed a cubic deployable truss structure with three-span beams and the cubic frame, which can be used in future aerospace applications [104]. The first-or multidirectional deployment can be achieved by controlling the energization sequence of heaters (Fig.…”