Mass efficiency of strip-based coilable space structures

Abstract

This paper presents a general semi-analytical study of the mass efficiency of coilable plate-like space structures. A bending architecture based on four diagonal booms that support parallel strips is compared to a cable-stayed architecture in which vertical booms and cable stays support the diagonal booms at the tip. Limiting conditions of global buckling, local buckling, material failure, and excessive deflection define the design space for each architecture. Considering pressure loads spanning several orders of magnitude, the optimal areal density of structures of size varying from a few meters to hundreds of meters is determined for both architectures. Design charts for optimal designs are provided for a range of sizes, loads, and deflection limits. It is shown that the cable-stayed architecture is always lighter than the bending architecture, from a few percent to over 30%.