Helically Curved Unfurlable Structural Elements: Kinematic Analysis and Laboratory Demonstration

Abstract

The concept of the unfurling deployment of helically curved tubular members is proposed and its feasibility is confirmed through kinematic analyses and a demonstration model. The challenge of curved geometry—the varying lengths of longitudinal fiber lines across the member’s constituent strip—is answered by a noncylindrical storage drum shaped not to engender membrane strains in the retracted configuration (for a membrane strain-free unfurled state). The overall kinematics and the involved strains are numerically investigated and the feasibility of the deployment process itself is confirmed via a beryllium copper model.