Topology optimisation and structural analysis of a deployable antenna of umbrella type rib for 3D-printing

• Main Author: Κάνε, Τζοάνα
• Other Authors: Kane, Tzoana
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Deployable antennas; Topology optimisation; Additive manufacturing; Antenna rib; Fused filament fabrication; Βελτιστοποίηση τοπολογίας; Τρισδιάστατη εκτύπωση; Πτυσσόμενες κεραίες; Πολυαιθεριμίδιο; Δομικό στοιχείο κεραίας

In the first chapter of this master thesis, I will present a few basic information on satellites and how they are categorized. Afterwards, I will get into more detail about deployable structures, and more specifically the deployable reflector antenna. I will categorize the reflector antenna based on three aspects: the reflective surface type, the deployment mechanism and the antenna feed type. The advantages and uses of these categories are going to be analysed. Later, information will be given on the antenna gain, which is a vital quality as it indicates how well the conversion of radio waves to electric signals is executed, and the accuracy of the reflector. Finally, examples of materials that can be used for the reflective surface will be presented, as they need to be highly reflective to be suitable for this role. Also, materials that can be used for the deployment structure will be shown, asthey must combine great behaviour in space conditions, lightweight and strength. In the second chapter, I will be focusing on the design of a rib of an umbrella type deployable antenna. First, I will present information on the topology optimisation method, and additive manufacturing in the aerospace field. Afterwards, I will present the material that will be used, its mechanical properties and how the manufacturing process affects them. Next, I will be performing static structural and modal analysis, utilising FEM, on an original design and, based on those, the rib will be topologically optimised. The objectives of the TO process will be to reduce the total rib mass and to maximise the first natural frequency. The resulting design will be validated and compared with the original one and I will be analysing how this process ends up being beneficial for the component design. At the end of the thesis, I will be giving some suggestions about possible following projects that would help in optimising the material properties and validate its structural integrity by conducting experiments on the manufactured part.