Effects of Varying Geometric Design Parameters on the Stability of Deployable Thin-Shell Composite Space Structures

Increasing the stability of thin-shell composite structures is important as they become larger and lighter for future applications. This work focuses on varying the cross sectional geometry of thin-shell coilable longerons in an effort to increase both their critical buckling load and stability approaching the buckling load. Stability metrics to quantify the stability of structures with different geometries are defined. 3D-printed and composite longerons with different cross sectional geometries are tested experimentally, and geometrically perfect composite longerons are analyzed numerically. Based on the dominant imperfection that has been observed, the effects of twist on the stability of these structures is investigated.