Inflatable antenna for cubesats: Motivation for development and antenna design

CubeSats and small satellites have potential to provide means to explore space and to perform science in a more affordable way. As the goals for these spacecraft become more ambitious in space exploration, moving from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) or further, the communication systems currently implemented will not be able to support those missions. One of the bottlenecks in small spacecraft communication systems is represented by antennas' size, due to the close relation between antenna gain and dimensions. Current antennas for CubeSats are mostly dipole or patch antennas with limited gain. Deployable (not inflatable) antennas for CubeSats are currently being investigated, but these solutions are affected by the challenge of packaging the whole deployable structure in a small spacecraft.The work that we propose represents the first attempt to develop an inflatable antenna for CubeSats. Inflatable structures and antennas can be packaged efficiently occupying a small amount of space, and they can provide, once deployed, large dish dimension and correspondent gain. Inflatable antennas have been previously tested in space (Inflatable Antenna Experiment, STS-77). However they have never been developed for small spacecraft such as CubeSats, where the packaging efficiency, the deployment, and the inflation represent a challenge.Our study explores for the first time the possibility of developing such antenna in a way compatible with CubeSat dimensions and constraints. The research provides answers on the possible dimensions for an inflatable antenna for small satellites, on the gain and resolution that can be achieved, and on the deployment and inflation mechanism compatible with CubeSat. Future work in the development of the antenna will include the test of the antenna in flight during a specific technical demonstration mission.The article is structured as follows: context and motivation for Cubesat inflatable antenna are described; then a study to design the antenna which achieves the required performance metrics, while respecting the constraints imposed by CubeSat structure, is presented.     

一种新型充气式重力梯度杆的研制和在轨展开试验

文章对中国“新技术验证一号”卫星搭载的一种新型充气式重力梯度杆的研制和在轨试验情况进行了介绍。重力梯度杆在小卫星控制领域中具有较好的应用前景,而充气结构具有轻质、占用空间小、发射成本低的特点,采用充气式重力梯度杆可避免传统机械式重力梯度杆质量重、尺寸大和机构复杂的缺点,它以充气伸展臂为主要结构形式,通过充气展开伸直成为重力梯度杆,既作为卫星重力梯度杆又通过在轨试验验证空间充气展开结构的性能。在轨试验结果表明充气式重力梯度杆展开稳定、有序、性能可靠,可以满足小卫星的性能和功能要求。该试验也是中国首个成功的充气展开结构在轨技术验证试验,标志着中国的充气展开结构技术初步具备了工程化能力。     

空间充气展开结构的材料成型固化技术综述

空间充气展开结构的体积小,质量轻,可用于构建大型空间结构,在航天领域具有广阔的应用前景。空间充气展开结构需要采用柔性材料,通过充气展开成型固化使柔性材料具有足够的强度和刚度。成型固化是研制空间充气展开结构的关键技术之一,文章介绍了四种成型固化技术：铝／聚合物薄膜成型固化技术、热成型固化技术、热塑性／形状记忆成型固化技术和紫外线成型固化技术。通过分析,认为在目前条件下铝／聚合物薄膜成型固化技术更接近于空间充气展开结构的实际应用。     

结构局部刚度变化对小卫星动特性影响

首先针对模块式小卫星动特性进行灵敏度理论分析，分析目标是寻找提高结构动特性的局部位置和参数。然后基于有限元法分析改变局部刚度对结构动特性的影响。小卫星结构动特性分析计算的主要问题是建立计算成本可控的有限元模型，本文详细讨论了小卫星有限元模型建模方法和简化途径，并通过7个算例考察改变模块底板局部刚度、改变适配器支撑刚度、模块问设置弹簧模拟阻尼器等对小卫星结构动特性的影响。灵敏度分析和计算表明，影响动特性的主要因素是模块盒底板刚度和星箭适配器的支撑刚度；增加模块局部刚度以及适配器支撑刚度可以屏蔽星体摆动和包带联结部位的某些频率，同时可以减缓部分中间模块的振幅；在部分模块间设置弹簧可以模拟阻尼器或减振器的效果。另一方面，降低适配器刚度可以增加隔振作用。因而优化模块刚度分布和支撑刚度分布是改进动力学性能的有效途径。本文分析为模块式小卫星动力学修改以及多功能结构设计和主动振动设计提供依据。     

Inflatable composite habitat structures for lunar and mars exploration

Recent advances in materials technology have improved the performance capabilities of inflatable, flexible composite structures, which have increased their potential for use in numerous space applications. Space suits, which are comprised of flexible composite components, are a good example of the successful use of inflatable composite structures in space. Space suits employ inflatables technology to provide a stand alone spacecraft for astronauts during extra-vehicular activity. A natural extension of this application of inflatables technology is in orbital or planetary habitat structures. NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) is currently investigating flexible composite structures deployed via inflation for use as habitats, transfer vehicles and depots for continued exploration of the Moon and Mars.

Inflatable composite structures are being investigated because they offer significant benefits over conventional structures for aerospace applications. Inflatable structures are flexible and can be packaged in smaller and more complex shaped volumes, which result in the selection of smaller launch vehicles which dramatically reduce launch costs. Inflatable composite structures are typically manufactured from materials that have higher strength to weight ratios than conventional systems and are therefore lower in mass. Mass reductions are further realized because of the tailorability of inflatable composite structures, which allow the strength of the system to be concentrated where needed. Flexible composite structures also tend to be more damage tolerant due to their “forgiveness” as compared to rigid mechanical systems. In addition, inflatables have consistently proven to be lower in both development and manufacturing costs.

Several inflatable habitat development programs are discussed with their increasing maturation toward use on a flight mission. Selected development programs being discussed include several NASA Langley Research Center habitat programs that were conducted in the 1960s, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory inflatable space station study, the NASA JSC deployable inflatable Lunar habitat study, and the inflatable Mars TransHab study and test program currently ongoing at NASA JSC. Relevant technology developments made by ILC Dover are also presented.     

Ultralight deployable booms for solar sails and other large gossamer structures in space

Future solar sail spacecraft which do not need any rocket motors and propellants are a promising option for long-term exploration missions in the solar system. However, they will require ultralight reflective foils and deployable booms which will allow for the unfolding of huge sails. The achievement of an acceptable ratio of reflective sail area and structural mass, which results in a still small, but significant acceleration under the photon pressure of sunlight, is extremely challenging. The same challenging deployment technique is required for the unfolding of large reflector membranes or antennas (gossamer structures). The key elements are the booms which must be stowable in a very small envelope before they reach their destination in space. Such booms were developed by DLR and have been successfully tested under zero-g-conditions during a parabolic flight campaign in February 2009. It could be convincingly demonstrated that the unfolding process is both controllable and reproducible. The booms consisted of two co-bonded omega-shaped carbonfiber half shells with 0.1 mm wall thickness each and had a weight of only 62 g per meter. Two different deployment technologies were tested, one based upon an inflatable 12 μm thick polymer hose inside the boom, the other one using an electromechanical uncoiling device at the tip of each boom. In the latter case, the uncoiling devices will radially fly away from the spacecraft, such that they become “expendable deployment mechanisms” and their mass does not count any more for the spacecraft mass that needs to be accelerated or actively controlled.     

充气太阳能帆板展开动力学数值模拟预报

充气太阳能帆板是一种通过气体驱动支撑管展开的新型太阳能帆板。首先简要介绍其研究进展，然后针对充气展开支撑管，提出了分段式充气体积控制模型，基于LS—DYNA模拟了空间环境下Z型折叠充气太阳能帆板在支撑管无约束与有轴向约束控制时的展开过程，分析了支撑管每折叠段的气压变化，上横板的动力学特性以及基板的平面外振动，预报了展开过程中支撑管与基板的接触碰撞，并通过悬吊式展开试验验证了计算结果。结果表明，本文计算能够预报充气太阳能帆板在空间展开的动力学特性。     

Analysis of dynamic behaviour of inflatable booms in zigzag and modified zigzag folding patterns

The deployment behaviour of inflatable booms with zigzag and modified zigzag folding patterns is experimentally and theoretically investigated in this paper with the aim to deploy the booms as the actuator for future deployable large-scale membrane structures. Regarding the experimental approach, the stable deployment of a modified zigzag folding pattern is demonstrated, and the relation between stable and unstable deployment behaviour is considered in relation to air pressure and flow rate. In terms of the theoretical approach, the folding process and deployment behaviour are simulated using commercially available software (PAM-CRACH and PAM-SAFE). To create folding lines from the zero stress condition in the case of analytical inflatable boom models, the stress distribution and the shapes of the folding lines are considered for the initial self-deployment behaviour and deployment behaviour using the uniform pressure method. From the folding experiments and the results of folding analyses and UPM, the deployment behaviour of inflatable boom models in zigzag and modified zigzag folding patterns is compared by using the finite point-set method. For the sequential deployment behaviour, which is difficult to replicate, the uniform pressure method is used for the calculations, and the relation between inlet air flow and stable deployment behaviour is discussed through comparison of the experimental and analytical results.     

Structural health management technologies for inflatable/deployable structures: Integrating sensing and self-healing

Inflatable/deployable structures are under consideration as habitats for future Lunar surface science operations. The use of non-traditional structural materials combined with the need to maintain a safe working environment for extended periods in a harsh environment has led to the consideration of an integrated structural health management system for future habitats, to ensure their integrity. This article describes recent efforts to develop prototype sensing technologies and new self-healing materials that address the unique requirements of habitats comprised mainly of soft goods. A new approach to detecting impact damage is discussed, using addressable flexible capacitive sensing elements and thin film electronics in a matrixed array. Also, the use of passive wireless sensor tags for distributed sensing is discussed, wherein the need for on-board power through batteries or hardwired interconnects is eliminated. Finally, the development of a novel, microencapuslated self-healing elastomer with applications for inflatable/deployable habitats is reviewed.     

空间可充气气球应用研究

简述了空间可充气结构的国外应用情况及可充气结构的导弹诱饵和气球卫星,介绍了可充气气球的设计特点,包括采用压力刚化铝箔的刚化结构、充气装置和释放装置,分析了太空环境中原子氧和紫外线辐射对可充气刚化气球的影响程度。     

非线性弹簧形态优化及可调节恒力装置设计

基于组合结构研究一种可调节恒力装置的设计方法，恒力装置由负刚度非线性弹簧和正刚度线性弹簧组合而成。采用B样条曲线描述非线性弹簧的形态，基于GA算法和非线性有限元法实现非线性弹簧的形态优化设计。根据恒力装置的工作原理，设计线性螺旋弹簧，并分析刚度/强度特性。组合结构的力学性能分析表明恒力装置可以实现输出恒力。为了实现自我保护、输出的恒力大小/方向可调，进行了恒力装置的部组件设计。本文的恒力装置设计方法为平面薄膜天线和太阳电池阵的工程研制提供了技术支撑。     

考虑压电耦合的空间充气展开结构频响特性分析

着眼于利用柔性压电元件获取空间充气展开结构的动力学特性，文章基于通用有限元软件ABAQUS，建立考虑压电耦合的空间充气展开结构频率响应分析方法，依次进行非线性充气预应力分析、模态分析和频率响应特性分析。以空间充气杆为例，分别利用有限元仿真和地面实验的方法得到其频响曲线，两者共振峰频率偏差小于2.3%，验证了充气展开结构有限元仿真方法的有效性。研究结果可为进一步分析空间充气展开结构的动力学特性和实施结构优化设计提供参考。     

Folding patterns of planar gossamer space structures consisting of membranes and booms

The combination of large membranes and light-weight deployable booms, often called a gossamer structure, has enabled innovative space missions, such as solar sailing, to become possible. Though many designs have been proposed and demonstrated, two problems remain regarding the folding patterns of the membranes. The first problem involves considering the thickness of a membrane to enable uniform and compact folding. The other involves membrane-folding patterns that allow for connecting the membrane to the booms at multiple points and deploying them together while minimizing the use of complex mechanisms. This study proposes three methods that consider the thickness, and two of them can keep the crease lines straight, in contrast to the conventional non-straight crease line solutions. In addition, this study derives one effective design to integrate a membrane with diagonal booms through the systematic classification of existing membrane folding patterns.     

弹性边界试验获取自由状态频响方法研究

大型柔性航天结构的一阶频率可能低至0.1 Hz,采用自由悬吊方法进行结构自由状态频响测试难以满足要求,因为它要求悬吊频率远低于待测结构的一阶频率。为解决这一问题,文章研究了弹性边界试验方法:对待测结构施加弹性支撑,在分别获得整体与支撑结构频响后,通过频域子结构解耦方法,去除支撑结构对待测结构的影响,以得到待测结构自由状态的频响。试验结果表明,这一方法是可行的,可以考虑进一步应用于实际工程结构。     

小卫星姿控动量轮陶瓷球混合轴承性能分析与试验

小卫星的技术发展对星上姿控系统的主要部件一动量轮的主要技术指标提出了严格的要求。为了满足动量轮对轴承的使用要求，本研究开发了Si3N4陶瓷球混合轴承。基于滚动轴承分析理论和摩擦学知识，对其接触应力、旋滚比、轴向刚度、润滑、额定静载荷等指标进行了优化设计和分析。结果显示：与原全钢轴承比较，优化后混合轴承消除了原全钢轴承存在的控制类型“阶跃”问题，在精度寿命指标上具有明显的优势。摩擦力矩测量结果及分析表明该轴承的功耗指标优于原全钢轴承。力学模拟、温度循环试验后动量轮电机电流升高小于5％，表明该轴承具有良好的抗振动冲击能力和温度适应能力。在动量轮连续二年的运转试验中，电机的功耗始终较小而且稳定，进一步证明陶瓷球混合轴承具有良好的抗粘着磨损能力。     

扭簧应力松弛及冲击特性试验研究

扭簧具有受外力约束变形后储能并在去除约束后反弹的特性，使其在航天任务中多作为无源动力元件加以使用，由于航天器的特殊应用背景，应力松弛和冲击破坏是航天用扭簧的主要失效形式。通过自行研制的扭簧应力松弛特性和冲击特性测试的试验装置，针对若干结构尺寸的扭簧，进行了不同怠位扭转角条件下的应力松弛特性试验和不同冲击行程及冲击负载条件下的冲击特性试验，并采用最小二乘法对试验结果进行了拟合。通过以上工作获得了扭簧应力松弛的一般规律、怠位扭转角对扭簧应力松弛特性的影响规律、冲击行程和冲击负载对扭簧冲击特性的影响规律及扭簧扭转刚度对扭簧应力松弛和冲击特性的影响规律，为扭簧可靠性分析和工程设计提供了直接的试验数据。     

A self-deploying and self-stabilizing helical antenna for small satellites

Space antennas with a helical geometry are an advantageous choice for many applications, for instance if the transmission of electromagnetic waves with a circular polarization is intended, or if signals from terrestrial objects shall be received with a high angular resolution. In all these cases the desired electromagnetic properties of a helical geometry can be combined with the mechanical advantage that the antenna acts as a compression spring, provided that its core structure has the necessary high spring stiffness but can nevertheless easily be compressed. Such an antenna has been developed by DLR Institutes in Bremen and Braunschweig together with some industrial partners for a small satellite named AISat, which shall be able to pursue the position of individual ships in critical sea areas in order to improve the security of seafare trade. The development was very challenging since the antenna must expand from a stowed stack length of only 10 cm to a total length of 4 m. Only a special carbonfiber core under the conductive coating and a system of stabilizing cords led to a satisfying solution. Both the self-deployment and the self-stabilization function of this innovative antenna concept have been successfully tested and verified under zero-g-conditions in the course of a parabolic flight campaign. It could be convincingly demonstrated that the helical antenna can really achieve its desired contour in weightlessness within some seconds and maintain the required stability. Beyond the current application for the AISat satellite it is therefore quite a promising concept for future satellites.     

航天器中频段力学环境预示的混合线连接建模方法

针对航天器中频段的力学环境预示问题,提出了一种航天器结构混合线连接建模方法。首先应用波动理论推导了波数空间下的线连接动态刚度矩阵,然后通过构造线连接处的位移形函数,采用傅里叶变换技术建立混合线连接模型。提出了模态插值、三角波和Shannon小波三种形函数构造方法,并对三类形函数的优缺点进行了对比。典型结构的仿真结果表明,提出的混合线连接建模方法具有较好的预示精度,可应用于航天器结构的中频段的力学环境预示。     

基于接触理论的一类带锁定机构的间隙铰链分析模型研究

重点研究一类在我国航天器上得到广泛应用的带有锁定机构的间隙铰链，基于接触理论建立了该类型间隙铰链的分析模型。首先，将铰链零件间的接触力假设为单向的非线性弹簧，并将铰链简化为由非线性弹簧组约束的摆；然后。将展开扭簧假设为线性力矩弹簧，得到包含间隙影响的铰链的力矩-转角关系曲线。通过仿真分析和试验验证，认为铰链的力矩转角关系曲线是分段光滑的。是铰链结构尺寸、零件间隙以及材料特性的函数。呈现出明显的非线性特征。     

可膨胀再入防热锥的技术进展

长期以来返回式飞行器为承受再入气动载荷和着陆冲击 ,采用具有防热层的刚性飞行器壳体 ,导致返回舱的质量和外形大于有效载荷的数倍。柔性可膨胀再入防热锥可解决上述不足之处 ,这种锥形返回舱在返回前进行充气改变其气动特性 ,使在返回过程中达到所需的气动参数和最终着陆速度。可膨胀再入防热锥技术能使有效载荷舱获得广泛用途 ,不但能使航天员、货物和昂贵的硬件安全返回地面 ,还能在载人飞行遇险时作为应急救生的有效措施 ,以及在未来火星探测中发挥积极作用。