A graph-theory approach to designing deployable mechanism of reflector antenna

The objective of this paper is to present an exhaustive search method for designing new deployable mechanisms of reflector antennas. The procedure is based on the graph theory and a flow value method. The mechanism is composed of links and joints. Connections between links are represented by using the graph theory. Rules representing design criteria and the flow value method based on load flow are taken into account to evaluate and select mechanisms among those that are enumerated in the database. Finally, this study presents a deployable mechanism that transmits load the most efficiently.

► This study aims to develop an exhaustive search procedure for designing deployable antennas.
► The graph theory and flow value method are used in design.
► Graphs are represented by using matrices, which are used to calculate flow values.