Deployable Configuration Design and Analysis of Large Space Membrane Sunshield Structures

Abstract

Origami technology is applied to the configuration design of space membrane structures and the stress optimization is conducted in the whole deployment process. Combined with origami-type inflatable tube, configuration of large space deployable membrane sunshield structure is designed. The stress level in whole deployment process of two kinds of configuration design scheme is analyzed by using truss equivalent method. The parameters of membrane sunshield structures are identified based on the sunshade demand of optical systems. Considering the point junction and synchronous deployment between inflatable tube and membrane, a novel design scheme of inflatable tube is proposed inspired by single-vertex six-creases origami pattern and the ventilation characteristic of which is analyzed. ANSYS/LS-DYNA is used to simulate the whole deployment process of the membrane structure and the inflatable tube, and the configuration, the stress level and pressure are monitored and analyzed. Finally, the prototype is made to conduct the deployment experiment verification. The results show the large space membrane sunshield structure composed of the improved crease design scheme of membrane structures and inflatable tubes has clear deployment path and high storage ratio and there is no damage in the membrane structure.