Simulation and experiments of an ECDMA

Abstract

It is a challenge to establish an accurate finite element model (FEM) for the electrostatically-controlled deployable membrane antenna (ECDMA) because of the complex cable-membrane structure and the electrostatic-structural coupling problem. For these problems, this paper established the cable-membrane structure geometric model using the photogrammetry measurement data based on the existing ECDMA prototype and found the stress state using a reposition balance method. Then the electrostatic forces applied on the membrane surface by the electrodes were calculated accurately with an iteration method. Finally, the predictive accuracy of this ECDMA FEM was demonstrated by several sets of test results.