Preliminary Design Method Study for the Space Deployable Articulated Mast

Abstract

The Space deployable articulated mast work theory and its main application field are specified. The primary performance parameters which can represent the mast performance have been put forward. And the performance parameter mathematical expressions of the mast’s line density, packaging efficiency, bending stiffness and bending strength have been deduced. The relationship between primary performance parameters and structure geometrical parameters of the space deployable articulated mast is analyzed and discussed. The theoretical model of the cantilevered mast with tip load extends from the spacecraft has been established by Euler beam theory. A preliminary design method for the space deployable articulated mast based on two paramount concern factors of the mast natural frequency constraint and mast root moment constraint has been studied. At last the primary design parameters of mast line density, mast radius and longeron section area are analyzed and discussed through the calculation example based on this design method.