Rib Structure Optimization of Deployable Umbrella Reflector

Abstract

In order to reduce the mass of satellite deployable umbrella reflector, a structure optimization model of rib was established by analyzing rib’s structure and forces on it. The minimum mass of rib is calculated by optimizing its structure parameters under given rigidity and loads. Optimized structure parameters were obtained by solving the model with Compound Form method. Comparing the original structure, 50.4% mass was successfully reduced after optimization. It was found that increasing the height of the rib's cross section and using variable section are two effective ways to make rib lighter.