Structural optimization and model fabrication of a double-ring deployable antenna truss

This paper explores the design of a new type of deployable antenna system composed of a double-ring deployable truss, prestressed cable nets, and a metallic reflector mesh. The primary novelty is the double-ring deployable truss, which is found to significantly enhance the stiffness of the entire antenna over single-ring systems with relatively low mass gain. Structural optimization was used to minimize the system mass subject to constraints on system stiffness and member section availability. Both genetic algorithms (GA) and gradient-based optimizers are employed. The optimized system results were obtained and incorporated into a 4.2-m scaled system prototype, which was then experimentally tested for dynamic properties. Practical considerations such as the maximum number of truss sides and their effects on system performances were also discussed.