Abstract:
The lenticular boom has excellent lightweight properties, high stowage efficiency and good design adaptability. It also has broad application potential in the aerospace field. This study investigates the coiling behavior of curved carbon fiber composite lenticular booms. It systematically evaluates how different coiling radii, layup configurations and central hub taper angles affect their mechanical performance. Researchers fabricated lenticular booms with different ply counts, layup orientations and fiber weave architectures. They conducted coiling tests to get coiling torque profiles. A finite element model was built using ABAQUS. This model helps determine the stress distribution after coiling. The numerical results were compared with the experimental data to verify their accuracy. The results show several key points. First, increasing the coiling radius, using plain-woven fabric or adopting a straight cylindrical central hub will increase coiling torque. This makes the coiling process more difficult. Second, lenticular booms with 0° unidirectional tapes experience micro-buckling during coiling. Third, a tapered central hub design can effectively improve the stowage performance of curved lenticular booms. It reduces the occupied volume and equivalent stress when the booms are stowed. The research findings provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the design of wound-rib deployable antennas.