Deployment Dynamics of a Space Thin Shell Structure and Its Application

With the rapid development of aerospace technology, more and more deployable space structures are applied to spacecraft missions. Due to the complex dynamics involved in the deployment process of space thin shell structures, it is of great practical significance to accurately establish a dynamic model and analyze the deployment dynamics. In this paper, an accurate dynamic model of the thin shell structure is firstly established based on the Arbitrary Lagrange-Euler (ALE) and the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF). Then, the dynamic equations of the flexible multibody system are solved by using the generalized α algorithm and the vibration of the thin shell structure is studied by considering different initial configurations and opening angles. Finally, the thin shell structure is applied to the deployment of a large lens hood.