Thermal field simulation and material parameter optimization for spaceborne annular truss antennas

Abstract

Abstract The operational efficacy of large spaceborne annular truss antennas in orbit is significantly influenced by solar irradiation and alternating Earth shadow. This antenna system periodically encounters diverse extreme environments that impact the precision of the antenna surface performance. Consequently, this study presents an optimized thermal control design and conducts temperature field simulation calculations for such antennas. Initial efforts are directed toward analyzing the variables influencing the antenna structure’s temperature, with specific attention paid to the distinctive compositional characteristics of high-precision antennas. As a subsequent step, orthogonal tests are implemented, facilitating the development of an antenna thermal analysis model. This model assists in the identification of principal variables influencing the antenna’s temperature field. Finally, the antenna’s optimal thermal design is drawn upon the biogeography-based optimization (BBO) algorithm, enabling the derivation of ideal material parameters for the thermal design of the antenna. This methodology offers theoretical guidance for future thermal control design of large spaceborne annular truss antennas.