Development of an Elastically Deployable Boom for Tensioned Planar Structures

Abstract

This paper reports on the design, analysis and testing of a new elastically deployable boom. The boom is designed such that it flattens and elastically stows around a circular hub. Using finite element analyses, a design trade was performed to determine the boom geometry that maximizes bending stiffness. Predictions of the boom’s bending and torsional stiffness and strength were also made using the finite element model. Mechanical tests of a 0.610 m boom segment were conducted to measure these properties as well. The bending stiffness test results were consistent with the finite element analysis, showing a 3.8% and 6.5% difference in stiffness about the soft axis and stiff axis, respectively. The bending buckling loads and modes shapes corresponded to those predicted by the nonlinear finite element analysis.