Single-Layer Deployable Truss Structure Driven by Elastic Components

Abstract

This study proposes a concept of a single-layer deployable truss structure driven by elastic components which is applicable to small satellites. The structure is self-deployable from its stowed state to a planar regular hexagon configuration, and the concept is compared with other three competing concepts in terms of some geometric metrics. The deployability and serviceability of the model are verified through both numerical analyses and experiments. The deployment process of the structure is investigated and demonstrated by a deployment test. Robustness and stability analyses for the deployment are also conducted by considering failure of some elastic components. Flatness of the deployed structure is analyzed and measured. Modal analysis and frequency identification tests reveal that the fundamental frequency of the deployed structure is around 2.3 Hz. It is concluded that the proposed single-layer deployable truss structure is valid and has high potential application to small satellites.