A multifunctional tape spring boom with embedded gas lines and flexible printed circuit boards

Alex Brinkmeyer, Juan Reveles, Vinoth Gurusamy, Alberto Pirrera, Paul Weaver, Mike Lawton

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

A multifunctional deployable tape spring boom for satellite applications is designed, manufactured, and tested. The hybrid composite boom, manufactured using a combination of carbon and Kevlar-reinforced fibre epoxy, is designed to carry a number of gas feeds and flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) embedded within the structure. Here, we demonstrate the ability of the boom to be cyclically deployed and retracted, while preserving the electrical and gas functionality and structural integrity. The structure is then subjected to extreme temperature cycling to simulate the harsh thermal space environment. It is found that all embedded gas lines remain fully functional after the kinematic and thermal cycling tests, whereas partial electrical functionality is retained for the boom containing a Kelvar core ply. Overall structural integrity is preserved after thermal cycling, with negligible degradation in stiffness.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication4th AIAA Spacecraft Structures Conference, 2017
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624104558
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event4th AIAA Spacecraft Structures Conference, 2017 - Grapevine, United States
Duration: 9 Jan 201713 Jan 2017

Publication series

Name4th AIAA Spacecraft Structures Conference, 2017

Conference

Conference4th AIAA Spacecraft Structures Conference, 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityGrapevine
Period9/01/1713/01/17

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