• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.47 no.10
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• pp.712-719
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• 2019

This paper explores an implementation of finite element analysis and experiment in the design process of a tape spring hinge used for various CubeSat missions. Tape spring hinges consist of short-length hardened-steel strips with one-sided curvature, and thus the behavior is subject to large deformation with unpredicted non-linearity. Precise dimensions of a commercial tape spring are traced by the use of high-resolution digital camera, and thin-shell FEM analysis is conducted using ABAQUS program. Based on the rotation-moment analysis suggested in previous studies, parametric analysis is conducted by adjusting the contributing factors such as strip thickness and the subtended angle of the cross section. Finally the behaviors are investigated by both analytical and non-linear finite element methods, and the results are compared with the simple measurements. Further studies suggest a possible application in dynamic characteristics of hinges during CubeSat operations.

• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.226-232
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• 2021

In this paper, development of tape-springs made of composite materials was conducted for the deployment structures along with design, analysis, fabrication, and numerical and experimental investigation of mechanical behavior of the tape-springs. To this end, the tape-springs were manufactured according to three stacking patterns, and numerical and experimental investigation were conducted to determine whether or not they were damaged during bending with various selected composite materials. Finally, optimal stacking patterns that do not cause damage were selected during bending. With this information, the four-point bending test was conducted to obtain the moment-rotation curves. From results, it was confirmed that the nonlinear hysteresis phenomenon of the tape-springs was properly realized according to folding and unfolding. Therefore, it was confirmed that the composite material tape spring was properly developed.