Abstract
The object of this study is to establish a design concept of deployment structure for ultra-light-weight solar paddles onboard relatively small satellites. In this concept, we avoid conventional deployment mechanisms. Ultra-light-weight design can be established by employing the integrated design concept. Recently, a very thin solar cell panel has been developed by JAXA. However, the great advantage of the thin solar panels would be wasted when we use conventional structural design methodology, such as frame structure, deployment hinge mechanisms. Therefore, we should design an integrated structure, in other words, we use the thin solar panel as a functional member, structural member and mechanical member. A small curvature is given to improve out-of-plane bending stiffness. The panel is roll-up and stowed. STEM-like members are employed to assist roll-back motion and give a curvature to the panel when the panel reaches deployment position. In this paper, design and FEM analysis of proposed ultra-light-weight solar paddle are introduced. As a result, we understood structural characteristic of our primary design.
