Effects of Viscoelasticity on the Deployment of Bistable Tape Springs

Abstract

The effects of stowage on the deployment of composite bistable tape springs are studied. A viscoelastic analytical model is used to predict the relaxation and stability of the structure in its coiled state. The time-dependent stability analysis reveals that the structure remains bistable throughout the relaxation process. A dynamic model is then applied to predict the deployment of the structure once it is released. Experimental deployment results match the deployment predictions within 3% for the case where no stowage is applied. It is shown that stowage causes an increase in the deployment time; in this case, experimental deployment times overshoot those predicted by the model. Secondary effects are observed at high stowage temperatures, which are not predicted by the analytical model. These effects include an abrupt change in the deployment dynamics and a large increase in the deployment time (deployment latency). At higher temperatures still, i.e. for stowage at 100°C, the structure fails to deploy and becomes stable at all extended lengths.

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