Investigation on Supporting Ribs Configuration of Spaceborne Deployable Solid Reflector Antenna

Abstract

This study investigates the configuration of supporting ribs for spaceborne foldable solid reflector antennas, with a particular focus on their natural frequency of vibration. Supporting ribs play a crucial role in these aspects by ensuring that the antenna maintains its intended shape during deployment and in orbit. However, dynamic forces, including launch vibrations and in-orbit disturbances, can excite the natural frequencies of the antenna structure, leading to potential deformation or failure. The research explores various rib geometries to maximize the natural frequency of the reflector. Numerical simulation is used to model the dynamic behaviour of different rib configurations and assess their vibrational characteristics. The goal is to design ribs that not only maintain the reflector’s surface profile but also have a natural frequency high enough to avoid resonance with typical launch and operational vibration frequencies. The study offers valuable insights into the trade-offs between weight reduction, deplorability, structural rigidity, and vibrational performance. The findings contribute to the design of more reliable and efficient foldable solid reflector antennas, which are critical for the next generation of space missions, ensuring both structural stability and precise functionality in challenging environments.