The concept of the tension truss antenna is proposed. It is shown that a parabolic reflector surface can be formed by a three-dimensional integrated cable lattice system that can be called a tension truss. The tension truss antenna consists of a triangular-faceted cable truss, the rf reflector surface, and a supporting structure which provides support as well as pretension of the cable lattice. The primary feature of the antenna is that its shape is virtually determined by geometric quantities such as the lengths and arrangement of cable members. Because of this feature, the adjustment of antenna surface can be done directly by changing lengths of cable members which form the surface

Concept of the tension truss antenna

This paper presents several concepts of deployable space structures with emphasis on their relation to the basic principles of mechanics on which the concepts depend.The following subjects are trea...

Concepts of Deployable Space Structures

Large deployable mesh reflectors are found in many space applications. To warrant the performance of this type of space structure, it is desirable to have a methodology for systematic design of dep...

New Methodology of Surface Mesh Geometry Design for Deployable Mesh Reflectors

The Projecting Surface Method for improvement of surface accuracy of large deployable mesh reflectors

Optimal surface profile design of deployable mesh reflectors via a force density strategy

The application of geometrical schemes, similar to geodesic domes, to large spherical antenna reflectors was investigated. The shape and size of flat segmented latticed surfaces which approximate general shells of revolution, and in particular spherical and paraboloidal reflective surfaces, were determined. The extensive mathematical and computational geometric analyses of the reflector resulted in the development of a general purpose computer program capable of generating the complete design parameters of the dish. The program also includes a graphical self contained subroutine for graphic display of the required design.

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M. S. Hefzy

Papers

Geometric modeling and analysis of large latticed surfaces