Active Deployment Control of Ultra-thin Composite Structures
Abstract
This project aims to create fundamental innovation in identifying the dynamics and actively controlling the freely deploying motion of ultra-thin composite shell structures. Allowing for predictable and repeatable deployment is critical in a wide range of engineered space systems such as antennas for telecommunication, solar arrays for power generation, and in-space manufacturing platforms. The ability to exercise control over these deployable systems is needed for preventing incomplete expansion or operational failure of mission critical components and payload. The technical approach is to initiate or alter the occurrence of elastic instabilities within composite structures by applying active perturbations during deployment. Flexible piezocomposite transducers will provide simultaneous shape sensing and actuation through the delivery of localized strain. They are highly compatible with the lightweight and high strain characteristics of ultra-thin composite materials in terms of having sufficient authority and frequency response. By manipulating the shape of localized sections, large disordered motion which arise from localized buckling, snap-through events, and propagating folds can be suppressed to prevent damage and loss of functionality. Likewise, perturbing coilable structures from their stable configurations by targeting mechanical instabilities can initiate a smooth transition between the stowed and deployed states. A key task is to develop a computationally efficient framework for the underlying mechanics governing the interactions of stability, dynamics, and control in deployable composite structures. The numerical framework and finite element analysis will be used to investigate active control techniques required for effective response manipulation. Validation will be provided by real-time motion capture and high-speed digital image correlation experiments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2025
- Source ID
- FA95502410189
Entities
People
- Andrew R Lee
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- North Carolina State University
- United States Air Force