Size and Pretension Optimization Design of Deployable Cable-Frame Antenna Structures

Abstract

In this paper, the structural optimization problem of a deployable cable-frame antenna consisting of a cable network and a supporting frame is discussed in detail. Firstly, the initial equilibrium problem of the cable-frame antenna structure is discussed with emphasis on the realization convenience. An optimization model is proposed to get a set of uniformly distributed cable pretensions whilst satisfying the surface precision requirement. Secondly, the optimization of the member size and cable tensions are integrated in one optimization model in which both folded and deployed status are considered. Finally, a 10-meter antenna is optimized with good results which indicates that the proposed method is feasible and effective.