The concept of the unfurling deployment of helically curved tubular members is proposed and its feasibility is confirmed through kinematic analyses and a demonstration model. The challenge of curved geometry—the varying lengths of longitudinal fiber lines across the member’s constituent strip—is answered by a noncylindrical storage drum shaped not to engender membrane strains in the retracted configuration (for a membrane strain-free unfurled state). The overall kinematics and the involved strains are numerically investigated and the feasibility of the deployment process itself is confirmed via a beryllium copper model.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Kinematic analysis, Structural elements (Construction), Membranes, Copper, Fibers, Geometry, Kinematics, Storage, Strips
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