Optimal surface profile design of deployable mesh reflectors via a force density strategy

Based on a force density method coupled with optimal design of node positions, a novel approach for optimal surface profile design of mesh reflectors is presented. Uniform tension is achieved by iterations on coefficients of force density. The positions of net nodes are recalculated in each iteration so that the faceting rms error of the reflector surface is minimized. Applications of both prime focus and offset configurations are demonstrated. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. •An improved uniform tension strategy for designing mesh reflectors is presented.•The methods for calculating the faceting rms error of a mesh reflector are discussed.•The faceting error distribution can be improved by the node position optimization.•Simulation results demonstrate that better RF performances have been achieved.