Deployment Simulation of a Parabolic Space Antenna with Rigid Panels

Abstract

This paper deals with the numerical simulation of the deployment process of a parabolic space reflector. The described deployable antenna is of the rigid panel type. The numerical simulations cover kinematic, inverse dynamic, quasi-static and dynamic analysis modes. Special phenomena included are hinge friction and the investigation of a deployment failure mode. Different software packages have been applied and their performance has been assessed.