Structural Analysis and Design of a Large Area Solar Array
* 670551
The problem of establishing the configuration and sizing of the primary structure of a large area solar array yielding 20 w/lb is analyzed. Factors affecting the structural design and examined in this paper include:
1.
Effects of launch environment.
2.
Deploying and deployed phases of a typical mission.
3.
Impact of ground support and test equipment upon the design.
4.
Fabrication problems affecting structural design.
The analyses consider dynamic and internal loads, temperature distribution and thermal control, selection of materials, weight distribution, and interface of the structural and electrical technologies.
It is found that the feasibility of design of a 20 w/lb large area solar array is within the present state-of-the-art only if beryllium is used to transmit primary loads.
