Finite Element Model Correlation for Deployable High Strain Fiber Reinforced Composite Boom and Membrane Antenna System

This paper presents model and test correlation efforts pertaining to GLOWS (Global L-band active/passive Observatory for Water cycle Studies), a membrane meta lens radar/radiometer instrument with a deployed 6 m aperture that is supported by five high strain composite booms. This paper presents the beginning of the model and test correlation effort, which begins with modeling the fundamental subsystems of the GLOWS deployed structure at various scales. This paper includes modeling and testing validation efforts including stiffness and strength of the high-strain composite booms, and the stiffness and dynamic response of the tensioned membranes in the system. Modeling techniques for the GLOWS deployable system include finite element analysis using Abaqus Standard. Each model is verified through laboratory tests of the booms, membranes, and boom-to-membrane connectors. Successful validation was achieved in these initial cases. The paper begins with buckling response of a full-scale 7.5 m slit tube boom and lanyard system. The stiffness and strength of the boom as predicted in the analysis correlated to a laboratory test within 12% in stiffness and 2% in maximum load. Additionally, this paper presents a nonlinear finite element analysis to predict displacements of a tensioned membrane and first mode frequency in vacuum. This membrane model correlated with experimentally measured stiffness within 8%, and first-mode frequency within 3%.