Investigation of a flexible inextensible composite membrane reflector

The objective of this work is an analytical and experimental investigation of a novel concept of a flexible inextensible composite membrane with a precise geometric shape. The development work based on this investigation successfully proved the feasibility of the concept. A prototype membrane employed as a parabolic reflector antenna was fabricated and subsequently evaluated in terms of its functional performance. In constructing the prototype, many challenging and complex conceptual, analytical, and design problems arose and were resolved. In particular, the elastic deflection of a paraboloidal membrane with only two arrays of reinforcement subjected to pressure loading was investigated as a function of the matrix and fiber material properties. Additionally, an experimental investigation was performed to determine if a composite material with a very flexible matrix can be analyzed as a conventional composite material. Finally, a static-kinematic analysis of an axisymmetric Chebyshev net was carried out to determine the equilibrium shape and force distribution under the applied edge and surface loads.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Lilly, Brian Peter

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hilton, Harry H.

• Engineering, Aerospace

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1989 Lilly, Brian Peter

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI8924886
(UMI)AAI8924886

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/21611