Mechanical calculation of elastic folding of a thin-walled deployable composite boom for space applications

Abstract

The paper investigates the stress–strain state of a thin-walled deployable N-shaped composite boom during elastic folding. A finite element model using ANSYS 2021 R2 software (explicit formulation) is developed, considering boundary conditions, loads, and analysis parameters. Numerical calculations are performed for various cylindrical mandrel radii, revealing a strong dependence on maximum stress on the mandrel radius. Results indicate reliable folding without damage for a mandrel radius of 20 mm or more. This study solves the complex problem of modeling elastic folding, providing essential information for engineers to achieve an optimal design.

Keywords:

• Composite material
• thin-walled composite shells
• deployable composite booms
• finite element model
• numerical calculation
• explicit solver
• elastic folding
• damage
• strength

Acknowledgments

The work was carried out within the framework of the state task of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation on the topic FEFE-2020-0015.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation