Static and modal analysis of the power construction of the precision large-sized antenna reflector from polymer composite materials

The design of a precision large-size antenna reflector made of polymer composite materials (PCM) based on carbon fibers is presented in the article. Such reflectors are used for operation in high frequency ranges, since they have a low coefficient of linear thermal expansion and a high modulus of elasticity. Therefore, the main task of this work is to design the geometric accuracy of the reflector working surface from composite materials with a diameter of more than 10 meters and a frequency range of 42.5-45.5 GHz. The developed model of the reflector includes a power frame, segments of the reflecting surface and a hub. The power frame of the reflector consists of flat trusses supplemented with rods, so that during assembly a spatial construction with axial symmetry is formed. Segments are three-layer casings of polymer composite materials with filler. The proposed model of the reflector was analyzed using the finite element method with boundary conditions: a wind load of 20 m/s in the opening of the reflector; Impact of gravity on the reflector, oriented to the zenith. The wind load was modeled as a uniformly distributed pressure applied to the segments. The obtained mean square deviation (SDE) of the geometry and natural oscillation frequency of a reflector made from polymer composite materials based on carbon fibers is sufficient for operation of the satellite earth station in high radio-frequency ranges Ka, Q and V.