Specificity of modeling the actuator for the deployment of transformable large-scale space structures

Abstract

Abstract The creation of large-scale structures will be necessary for the development of information and transport space systems. Transformable systems form a distinct category of such space structures, designed based on automatic configuration changes. The transport and deployed operating states of transformable space systems can vary in dimensions by tens of times, with force actuators carrying out the deployment process. The optimal force actuator suitable for use in transformable space structures is an actuator comprising of active elements made of a titanium nickelide material with a shape memory effect, which has the ability to generate significant force, reliability, compactness, light weight and low power consumption. In the pursuit of developing large-scale transformable space systems, tremendous importance is placed on conducting full-scale experiments, which require costly equipment to be simulated in ground conditions. Therefore, an alternative option to verify the functionality of the large-scale transformable space system in development is through conducting a mathematical experiment utilizing the identifiable parameters of the developed computational models. Experimental and theoretical analyses of the active elements of the force actuator made of titanium nickelide material (1.5 mm diameter wire) have confirmed the fundamental possibility of creating a force actuator for opening large-scale transformable space structures.