Finite Element Modeling and Analysis of Large Pretensioned Space Structures

Pretensioned structures have great potential for providing the required size, stiffness, and packaging efficiency for large deployable space structures such as radio antenna, radar, and solar reflector& These structures, however, are difficult to model correctly using standard numerical techniques, such as finite element analysis, and the current lack of literature on a robust modeling methodology can lead to analysis errors and wasted time. This paper details the static and dynamic behavior of pretensioned systems in their analytical forms and demonstrates how that behavior can be characterized using commercially available finite element software. This study was performed using ABAQUS Standard/CAE, but the methodology could be applied to any of the major finite element packages. A simple cable - beam system and a pretensioned truss structure are analyzed to verify the methodology and illustrate its suitability to modeling the behavior of complex pretensioned structures. This paper provides an introduction and overview to modeling and analyzing pretensioned space structures for analysts and engineers familiar with.modern finite element methods.