Numerical Analysis of Space Deployable Structure Based on Shape Memory Polymers.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are utilized in aerospace for deployable structures.
• Accurate modeling of SMP behavior is crucial for reliable space applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a coupled finite element method (FEM) for analyzing SMP deployable structures.
• To investigate the thermodynamic behavior and shape memory effects of single-arm (S-DS) and four-arm (F-DS) structures.

Main Methods:

• Developed a coupled FEM based on the generalized Maxwell model and time-temperature equivalence principle (TTEP).
• Analyzed S-DS and F-DS structures using the established coupled FEM.
• Validated simulation data against experimental tensile and recovery force data.

Main Results:

• The coupled FEM accurately described the thermodynamic behavior and shape memory effects of SMP structures.
• Simulation data showed good consistency with experimental results for tensile and recovery forces.
• The step-by-step driving structure is suitable for large-scale space deployment.

Conclusions:

• The validated coupled FEM provides a reliable tool for analyzing SMP deployable structures.
• This approach offers a new direction for research on epoxy SMPs in aerospace engineering.