• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.47 no.10
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• pp.712-719
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• 2019

This paper explores an implementation of finite element analysis and experiment in the design process of a tape spring hinge used for various CubeSat missions. Tape spring hinges consist of short-length hardened-steel strips with one-sided curvature, and thus the behavior is subject to large deformation with unpredicted non-linearity. Precise dimensions of a commercial tape spring are traced by the use of high-resolution digital camera, and thin-shell FEM analysis is conducted using ABAQUS program. Based on the rotation-moment analysis suggested in previous studies, parametric analysis is conducted by adjusting the contributing factors such as strip thickness and the subtended angle of the cross section. Finally the behaviors are investigated by both analytical and non-linear finite element methods, and the results are compared with the simple measurements. Further studies suggest a possible application in dynamic characteristics of hinges during CubeSat operations.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.46 no.7
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• pp.583-591
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• 2018

In this paper, we propose a new deployment test equipment that is characterized for the deployment test of single large solar panel with tape spring hinge. To perform the deployment test on ground, a device that takes gravity compensation into account should be used to create a zero gravity environment similar to that in orbit. We analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of the most commonly used deployment test equipment in the past through simple conceptual design, analysis, and tests to judge whether it is applicable to the deployment of the solar panel to be tested. A dummy frame was proposed to reduce the air drag effect during on-ground test and a self-aligning ball bearing and adjusting screws were applied to the deployment test equipment to solve the alignment problem with the gravity axis. And a horizontal bearing for radial movement applied to compensate for the change of the axis of the tape spring hinge. From these, we solved the problems of the conventional deployment test equipment by developing and verifying the new deployment test equipment characterized for the solar panel to be deployed in this paper.

• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.226-232
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• 2021

In this paper, development of tape-springs made of composite materials was conducted for the deployment structures along with design, analysis, fabrication, and numerical and experimental investigation of mechanical behavior of the tape-springs. To this end, the tape-springs were manufactured according to three stacking patterns, and numerical and experimental investigation were conducted to determine whether or not they were damaged during bending with various selected composite materials. Finally, optimal stacking patterns that do not cause damage were selected during bending. With this information, the four-point bending test was conducted to obtain the moment-rotation curves. From results, it was confirmed that the nonlinear hysteresis phenomenon of the tape-springs was properly realized according to folding and unfolding. Therefore, it was confirmed that the composite material tape spring was properly developed.