Optimal Reconfiguration of Thermally Distorted Wire Mesh Reflectors for Large Space Antennas

The problem of guaranteeing reflector surface precision for large aperture antennas deployed in space has not been completely resolved. This feasibility study advances an approach that represents a fundamental divergence from conventional techniques. Specifically, an underconstrained structural system in the form of a wire mesh Chebyshev net is shaped to the desired reflector geometry. Predicted thermal patterns are applied to this surface and resulting distortions are calculated. A technique for optimally reconfiguring the distorted mesh in terms of RMS surface error is established. This reconfiguration is accomplished using the kinematic mobility inherent to underconstrained systems. Since stretching of the distorted mesh material is not allowed, control load magnitudes can be greatly reduced. An example using electrostatic control force is forwarded. The performance (in the form of antenna gain) for the resulting non-ideal surfaces is examined and is shown to be promising in terms of proposed space technology.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

1987

Author dc:creator

• Janiszewski, Alan Michael

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kuznetsov, E.N.,

• Engineering, Aerospace

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8803079

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/70635