Packaging of thick membranes using a multi-spiral folding approach: Flat and curved surfaces

Elucidating versatile configurations of spiral folding, and investigating the deployment performance is of relevant interest to extend the applicability of deployable membranes towards large-scale and functional configurations.In this paper we propose new schemes to package flat and curved membranes of finite thickness by using multiple spirals, whose governing equations render folding lines by juxtaposing spirals and by accommodating membrane thickness. Our experiments using a set of topologically distinct flat and curved membranes deployed by tensile forces applied in the radial and circumferential directions have shown that (1) the multi-spiral approach with prismatic folding lines offered the improved deployment performance, and (2) the deployment of curved surfaces progresses rapidly within a finite load domain. Furthermore, we confirmed the high efficiency of membranes folded by multi-spiral patterns.From viewpoints of configuration and deployment performance, the multi-spiral approach is potential to extend the versatility and maneuverability of spiral folding mechanisms.     

单顶点多折痕折纸形式启发的空间折展机构

针对一些特定功能小卫星需要可展式的功能结构，如可展天线、可展太阳能电池阵列，提出一种单顶点多折痕折纸形式启发的空间折展机构。展示了用于设计该机构的机构构型，研究发现此种构型不仅可将平面结构进行折展，也能将可包络回转曲面的锥形结构进行折展。进而提出了用于机构设计的几何模型及为快速判断机构的几何尺寸是否满足设计要求的近似几何模型。通过算例及仿真校验，发现近似几何模型可以进行快速判断。同时该机构具有较高折叠效率，适用于尺寸约束严格的小卫星。     

Deployment simulation of a scalable planar gossamer space structure based on Miura-ori pattern

Miura-ori is a rigid origami structure utilized in the packaging of deployable solar panels for use in space or in the folding of maps. It's pattern can largely reduce the membrane stress and improve the work efficiency. Inspired by origami structures, we numerically and experimentally studied a scalable solar sail structure. As an improvement of the existing membrane simulations, a variable Poisson's ratio model considering the wrinkling effect of the membrane was introduced. We focused on a quadrant shape and studied how its geometry parameters and initial imperfections affect the membrane mechanical behavior. We also designed and fabricated a pantographic mechanism as an origami membrane actuator. In addition, design protocols of deployment applied to a scalable gossamer structure were proposed.     

航天器可展开薄膜遮光罩机械设计的发展与展望

从可展开薄膜遮光罩的几何构型、展开驱动技术、薄膜折痕设计和薄膜褶皱动力学分析四个方面论述了航天器可展开薄膜遮光罩机械设计的发展现状和特点，在分析比较的基础上对可展开薄膜遮光罩机械设计的发展趋势进行了展望，旨在为航天器可展开薄膜遮光罩的创新发展提供参考。