Preliminary design of large reflectors with flat facets

Abstract

A concept f o r approximating curved antenna surfaces using f l a t facets is discussed. A preliminary design technique f o r determining t h e s i z e of t h e r e f l e c t o r surface facets necessary t o meet antenna surface accuracy requirements i s presented. A proposed l a r g e Microwave Radiometer S a t e l l i t e is selected as an application, and t h e far-field electromagnetic response of a faceted r e f l e c t o r surface is compared with t h a t from a spherical r e f l e c t o r surface.

Optimization design combined with coupled structural–electrostatic analysis for the electrostatically controlled deployable membrane reflector

“…The faceted parabolic best approximate is 0.63 mm, which can be calculated by Agrawal's relation [35].…”

Furlable reflector concept for small satellites

“…For a spherical surface of radius R, Agrawal et al (1981) have obtained the following relationship between δ rms and the side length, L, of the triangles…”

Tension Truss Antenna — Concept, Reality and Future

“…Agrawal et al [6] have discussed errors induced by approximation of a parabolic surface by a polyhedral surface with triangular facets. If the reflector under consideration is shallow, the facets tend towards equilateral triangles, and the principal curvatures are nearly equal for any surface of revolution.…”