Robust Design of Cable-Network Antennas with Imperfect Cable Lengths

Abstract

Uncertainties can be introduced into the structural performance of cable-network antennas by inevitable manufacturing errors, which may result in failure in service. In this paper, robust optimization is first adopted to address the design of cable-network antenna structures with imperfect cable lengths. First, an analytical sensitivity analysis method is proposed to evaluate the effects of the uncertainties on the shape precision and cable tensions. Second, based on the sensitivities, the mathematical model of the robust design is established. At last, the proposed method is applied to a 3-m-diameter cable-network antenna structure. The analytical sensitivities are validated by comparing with the sensitivities computed by finite-difference method, and the feasibility of the presented robust design model is demonstrated by Monte Carlo simulations. The numerical experiments show that the robustness is greatly increased by the application of the robust design method. The results recommend that higher tension level, more elastic cables, thicker tension ties, and slenderer net cables can benefit the robust ability of cable network antenna structures.