| Summary |
For future development of large space structure systems, we propose a new concept of deployable membrane structures embedding inflatable tubes inspired by insects’ eclosion processes. One advantage of the concept is that we have possibility of controlling deployment processes due to hybrid deployment forces, which include extension forces due to inflatable tubes and centrifugal forces due to rotation of a central satellite bus. Rectangular membrane model with inflatable tubes and hexagonal one are shown. Their deployment behaviors are also numerically analyzed using nonlinear elasto-dynamic analysis code. We focus on deployment behaviors and changes of strain energy density of membrane elements. In the case of rectangular membrane model, rotational angular velocity and pressure of working gas are varied in order to control deployment processes. And in the case of hexagonal membrane model, deployment rates are shown.
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