Deployable Solar Array Structure: G1:3

Author

Daniel Bain, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow
Craig Patton, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow
Andrew Tendean, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow

Date of Submission

Spring 4-29-2019

Project Type

Senior Design

Minor

Aerospace Engineering

Major

Mechanical Engineering

Department

Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology

Committee Chair/First Advisor

Dr. Adeel Khalid

Abstract

This design project is in response to an AIAA RFP (Request-For-Proposal) to build a compact, durable, non-hinged solar array to be deployed from a spacecraft on its way from the Earth to Mars. The solar array structures are used to provide the continual supply of power to operate onboard equipment. A large array will be required but must fit within the fairing of the launch vehicle. Origami principles will be utilized to fit the given constrained stored volume of 10 cm³ while satisfying the power requirements and avoiding structural complications due to tight folds.