Analysis of the umbrella-type reflector opening process on a stand with an active gravity compensation system

During the verification of the functioning of the transformed structures in ground conditions, it is necessary to minimize the effect of gravity in order to exclude the occurrence of additional loads on the hinge assemblies and opening mechanisms. To perform this task, when testing a transformable umbrella-type reflector, stands with an active gravity compensation system are used, in which the gravity compensation force is applied to each spoke of the reflector. However, when compensating for the gravity spokes of the reflector, the fixing point of the suspension cable does not coincide with the center of mass of the spoke, which leads to the appearance of additional moments of forces acting on the suspended structure. Therefore, as an object of research, a part of the reflector was considered, consisting of a spoke, with cords of a formforming structure attached to it and a mesh. A 3D model has been developed, using which the positions of the center of mass of the structure under consideration were determined in the key phases of the reflector opening. A computational analysis of the driving forces and moments acting on the structure in the process of disclosure is carried out. The degree of influence of the suspension point position on the inaccuracy of gravity compensation has been established. The results of the analysis presented in the article can be used as initial data for the development of an algorithm for the operation of an active gravity compensation system, which will be able to take into account the position of the suspension point and the center of mass of the structure relative to the axis of rotation of the spoke during the opening of the reflector, by changing the gravity compensation force.