Detailed thermal stresses and free-edge effects analysis of SSPS antenna panel

Paper number

IAC-24,C2,IP,82,x84095

Author

Ms. Rebecca Masia, Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Ryo Higuchi, University of Tokyo, Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Enrico Zappino, Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Alfonso Pagani, Associazione Italiana di Aeronautica e Astronautica (AIDAA), Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Erasmo Carrera, Associazione Italiana di Aeronautica e Astronautica (AIDAA), Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Takahira Aoki, Tokyo University, Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Tomohiro Yokozeki, University of Tokyo, Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Xin Lu, Department of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Japan

Year

2024

Abstract

Space Solar Power Systems (SSPSs) offer a sustainable solution to global energy needs through large-scale clean energy generation. Developing these systems involves integrating ultra-lightweight structures with antenna patches on thin plate structures tailored to meet specific electrical, structural, and weight requirements. However, a critical challenge arises from thermal deformation due to the difference in Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTEs) among the constituent materials. This deformation significantly affects the flatness of the antenna panels, which is essential for maintaining optimal electromagnetic performance. Consequently, understanding the effects of thermal deformation and optimizing the structure to mitigate these impacts is essential.
One of the most critical phenomena affecting such multilayered structures is the delamination caused by high interlaminar stresses at free edges. Specifically, free-edge effects encompass the singular stress states that emerge at interfaces between dissimilar layers, especially near structural discontinuities, whether geometrical, mechanical, or thermal. Current numerical methodologies fail to capture the complexities of three-dimensional free-edge effects, underscoring an ongoing demand for precise evaluation tools in real-world composite applications.
The present investigation employs the well-established Carrera Unified Formulation (CUF) to build a high-order plate theory within the Finite Element Method (FEM) to investigate displacements and thermal stresses due to the application of constant temperature variations. The governing equations of the uncoupled thermo-elastic problem are derived within the CUF domain, and the application of the Lagrange Expansion (LE) along the thickness of the plate, accounting for a Layer-Wise (LW) kinematics, ensures a high level of refinement. Various thicknesses and widths of patches and plates will be analyzed to underscore the reliability of the numerical model and to highlight the significance of selecting appropriate meshes for accurately solving thermo-elastic problems. The preliminary results provide promising comparisons with the existing literature, and the analysis of the thermal stress states has revealed singularities at the free edge.

Abstract document

IAC-24,C2,IP,82,x84095.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-24,C2,IP,82,x84095.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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