Folded orthotropic tape-springs

Experimental Investigation of Tape Springs Folded in Three Dimensions

One of the most significant drivers in satellite design is the minimization of mass to reduce the large costs involved in the launch. With technological advances across many fields, it is now widely known that very low-mass satellites can perform a wide variety of missions. However, there is a need for small, efficient, area deployment devices. One possible structural solution for such devices ...

AIAA IAC-02-I.1.07 Experimental Testing of Tape Springs Folded in Three Dimensions

Viscoelastic Effects in Tape-Springs

Following recent interest in constructing large self-deployable structures made of reinforced polymer materials, this paper presents a detailed study of viscoelastic effects in folding, stowage, and deployment of tape-springs which often act as deployment actuators in space structures. Folding and stowage behavior at different temperatures and rates are studied. It is found that the peak load i...

Deployable Hexapod Using Tape-springs

In the near future of space observation systems, several technical challenges come into light like multi-pupil systems conceived as free flyers or extremely high resolution (EHR) systems with large dimensions and high agility requirements. To be able to face these challenges, the Alcatel Space Research Department is studying innovative structural concepts for future observation instruments. One...

Micromechanics Models for Viscoelastic Plain-Weave Composite Tape Springs

The viscoelastic behavior of polymer composites decreases the deployment force and the postdeployment shape accuracy of composite deployable space structures. This paper presents a viscoelastic model for single-ply cylindrical shells (tape springs) that are deployed after being held folded for a given period of time. The model is derived from a representative unit cell of the compositematerial,...