Affiliations: Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Air Force
Institute of Technology, WPAFB, OH, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: A.L.~Jennings, Department of Aeronautics
and Astronautics, Air Force Institute of Technology, 2905 Hobson Way, WPAFB, OH
45433, USA. Tel.: +1 937 255 3636 ex7495; Fax: +1 937 656 4032; E-mail:
Alan.Jennings@afit.edu
Abstract: Self-deploying structures seek to provide a compact launch package
for large, lightweight satellite booms. One self-deploying method is a foldable
tape spring. This paper examines the large scale behavior of a boom attached by
a tape spring hinge during mock deployments. A boom attached by tape spring to
a rigid stand was released and the boom bounced up to 60° before coming to
rest (as opposed to snap-through behavior). These large amplitude bounces can
cause the boom to collide with sensors, other booms or arrays causing damage or
preventing full deployment. Results show the first bounce of deployment is
nearly bounded by a four parameter ellipse. The ellipses of similar folds are
similar also, suggesting that a model can be developed. Free-fall tests
simulating the free-free condition found in microgravity also show similar
elliptical motion. Envelopes that bound the extents of the boom motion allow
for collisions to be prevented by adjustment of the design.
Keywords: Aerospace, space structures, deployment, empirical modeling, large deflection, nonlinear structures
