Active adjustment of space-borne cable-net antenna via a two-way shape memory alloy spring

Abstract

Abstract In extreme space environments with alternating and uneven temperature variations, the surface accuracy of cable-net antennas deteriorates significantly, thereby inducing a periodic failure or a significant deviation in the electrical performance. This is because of the lack of effective methods for controlling the surface shape during the service of the cable-net antenna. In this study, a method based on ‘two-way memory spring’ is proposed to actively control the surface of a cable-net antenna. Herein, first, an electro-thermo-mechanical model of the shape memory alloy (SMA) spring is deduced by combining the intrinsic model of the two-way shape memory effect and the resistance property of the SMA. Subsequently, a principle prototype is developed, and experiments related to active control are conducted to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.